[Etiopathogenesis of arthrosis; nosological consequences]

A nosological classification of arthrosis is proposed, consisting of two groups depending on whether the cartilage is intact (mechanical chondrosis) or altered (structural chondrosis). For both categories the principal aetiologies are mentioned. This aetiological differentiation has the aim of counteracting the facile diagnosis of primary arthrosis and is based on more elaborate diagnostic methods concerning the condition of the bone and cartilage.