Osteoarthritis is the most common arthropathy worldwide and the clinical and radiological prevalence increase with age. The aetiology is uncertain, but genetic and environmental factors are recognised. Symptoms predominantly occur in the spine, hips, knees, hands and feet, in isolation or combination, and may be relapsing – remitting or progressive. The signs may mimic inflammatory arthropathies or non-articular rheumatism, but clinical signs and appropriate investigations are discriminatory. Management is multi-modal with emphasis on diet, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy. Simple analgesics and occasionally systemic or topical anti-inflammatories are symptom-relieving, but unremitting pain and increasing disability from the hips or knees are indications for arthroplasty in suitable patients.
