[Aging phenomena and arthrosis]

The incidence of arthroses has a highly significant correlation with age. However, a clearly defined relationship from a causal basis does not yet exist. This association is not through the time-dependent accumulation derived from the mechanical "destruction-quantum" at a molecular level in the cartilage. Indicative for the transformation is progressive degeneration with considerations of disease values, norms, and biochemical parameters of the joint and associated indicators. We use the example of the knee joint to illustrate this point. The discrepancy over deficit in strength and regulatory mechanisms is also considered, as well as the passive chondroprotective shock-absorption of the subchondralia spongiosa, and, conversely, the apparent protective mechanism of osteoporosis preceding arthrosis. Epidemiologically, osteoporosis and arthroses have been proven incompatible; what remains to be elucidated is the well-known dichotomy in their courses of development.