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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
06:06
Tissue Collection and RNA Extraction from the Human Osteoarthritic Knee Joint
Published on: July 22, 2021
Epidemiology of osteoarthritis
Yuqing Zhang1, Joanne M Jordan
1Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA. yuqing@bu.edu
Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|August 12, 2010
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disorder, particularly affecting older adults and influenced by factors like obesity and joint injury. Modifying these risk factors may help prevent OA pain and disability.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Rheumatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disorder in the United States.
- Symptomatic knee OA affects 10% of men and 13% of women aged 60+.
- Increasing prevalence is linked to population aging and the obesity epidemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifactorial etiology of osteoarthritis.
- To identify key risk factors contributing to OA development.
- To discuss potential preventive strategies for OA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of osteoarthritis risk factors.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on OA prevalence.
- Synthesis of current understanding of OA pathogenesis.
Main Results:
- OA results from an interplay of systemic and local factors.
- Identified risk factors include old age, female gender, obesity, knee injury, joint overuse, bone density, muscle weakness, and joint laxity.
- Weight-bearing joints are particularly susceptible.
Conclusions:
- Osteoarthritis has a complex, multifactorial cause.
- Modifying identified risk factors may reduce OA incidence.
- Preventive measures targeting these factors can mitigate pain and disability.
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