An Atlas Of Osteoarthritis

Among all of the joint diseases, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent cause of rheumatic complaints. More than 80% of all people over the age of 55 have radiographic evidence of OA. Although not all of these individuals are symptomatic, some 10-20% of those affected will report limitation of activity due to their arthritis. Nearly 400000 knee and hip operations are performed in the USA yearly, most of which are to alleviate pain from OA. This figure will inevitably increase as the proportion of elderly increases. For years, physicians have viewed osteoarthritis as an inevitable and untreatable consequence of aging. However, recent studies suggest that the development and progression of the disease can he slowed, or possibly even prevented, by pharmacologie and biologic therapies. This remarkable new atlas comprehensively describes and illustrates both drug therapies and nonpharmacologic measures as pain management strategies. This Atlas of Osteoarthritis has been specially developed for primary cars physicians. In addition, it will also undoubtedly be of immense use to medical students and residents, clinical rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, allied health professionals and basic researchers.