[Patophysiology of osteoarthritis]

Osteoarthritis (OA) is slowly evolving disease of articular cartilage degneration characterized by the gradual development of joint pain, stiffness and limitation of motion. Musculoskeletal diseases are growing medical, social and economic problem. OA among them takes leading position with incidence, morbidity and poor quality of life. In the last few decades there is increasing interest for better knowledge of all aspects of the disease, especially with regard to its pathophysiology. This paper focuses the recent aspects of patophysiology of OA, because knowledge of patophysiology means the challenge for the clinician to find a way to best prevent articular cartilage degradation, preserve joint function, treat joint pain and treat concurrent inflammation.