[Osteoarthritis in the light of current research findings]

Chondrocyte and cartilage matrix can in the course of time lose in quality due to nutritive, toxic and enzymatic influences but also due to excessive mechanical usage so that the hyaline articular cartilage can no longer fulfill its function as a hydro-elastic bumper. This results in progressive mechanical cartilage destruction and sclerosing reconstruction of the subchondral bone. The parts of the matrix that are freed by the mechanical abrasion can function as inflammatory mediators and set an accompanying synovitis going. It is this secondary synovitis that then leads to a painful manifestation of osteoarthritis. In this case, an antiphlogistic therapy is necessary, because during a secondary synovitis cytokines are set free that endanger the yet intact articular cartilage.