Definition
Osteoarthritis – a progressive degenerative disorder of the joints caused by inflammation and the breakdown of articular cartilage with new bony formation (spurs and cysts at joint margins)
Incidence
Approximately 15 % (3 million) Australians have arthritis and the majority of these cases are due to osteoarthritis.
It is the leading cause of pain/disability among the elderly, with more than 50% of people over age 65 years having the condition and almost universally for those older than 85.
Joints affected
Can affect any joint but mostly in spine, hips, knees and hands (fingers).
http://www.virtualrheumatologycentre.com/diseases.asp?did=495
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pq-arthritis-osteoarth
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/osteoarthritis
http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/180_05_010304/mar10381_fm.html
Monday, September 8, 2008
Definition/Incidence/Joints affected
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