[Knee osteoarthritis : assessment and follow-up in family medicine]

Knee osteoarthritis is a frequent diagnosis in family medicine. Through a case vignette, we will review the tools available to family physicians to support their patients. Initial assessment can be simple, but it should be done rigorously and early when symptoms appear. There are ways to slow down osteoarthritis progression : weight reduction, physiotherapy, correction of misalignment. In terms of medication, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are partially effective and must be used with caution to decrease risk of adverse events. Surgery can be proposed when symptoms become refractory. The mainstay of care is the education of the patient and exploration of his representations, which must guide physicians during follow-up.