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Osteoarthritis - Background information
What is it?
- Osteoarthritis is defined by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as a disorder of synovial joints, that is characterized by [National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions, 2008]:
- Focal areas of damage to the articular cartilage.
- Remodelling of underlying bone and the formation of osteophytes — new bone at joint margins.
- Mild synovitis.
- Knees, hips, and the small joints of the hands are the most commonly affected joints, but any synovial joint can be involved.
- The clinical presentation and outcome are extremely variable, both between individuals and at different joint sites.
- Structural changes, symptoms, and disability are often discordant. For example, severe structural changes may be present without symptoms; and symptoms may be severe but not disabling.
- Osteoarthritis can be defined clinically or radiologically. In primary care, the most practical approach is to use a clinical definition (based on symptoms and without radiological imaging). For more information see Working diagnosis.
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