[Erosive hand osteoarthritis]

Erosive hand osteoarthritis is common and debilitating. Diagnosis is based on the presence of bone erosions which can appear late. Ultrasonography allows earlier diagnosis. The presence of apatite deposits could be of poor prognosis. Non pharmacological treatment includes the explanation of the inflammatory phenomena involved and the use of splints and physical therapy. Drug therapy includes analgesics, NSAIDs and infiltration of a steroid. Chondroitin sulfates have an analgesic and functional effect proven. DMARDs such as hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate have been used successfully. Some patients also benefited from isotope synoviortheses. New therapeutic ways, based on the pathophysiology of the disease, are new under evaluation.