Osteoarthritis in some developing countries

Only a few studies on osteoarthritis (OA) have been performed in developing countries. They all concern African populations. OA occurs less frequently in developing populations. Whether this is due to genetic or environmental factors or to selective forces like an excessive mortality at younger ages, is difficult to decide. Development of criteria for clinical degenerative joint disease is recommended. Furthermore studies are proposed on the geographical distribution of specific joint OA, the concept of generalized OA, the pattern of joint involvement, the natural history of degenerative joint disease, and the role of occupation, sports, and environmental factors.