Osteoarthritis: what does imaging tell us about its etiology?

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2012 Nov;16(5):410-8. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1329894. Epub 2012 Dec 4.

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder and a leading cause of disability. Due to an aging population and increasing obesity, the incidence of OA is rising. The etiology of OA is multifactorial and complex; thus prevention of OA remains challenging. Risk factors can be divided into person-level factors such as age, sex, obesity, genetics, race/ethnicity, and diet, and joint-level factors including injury, malalignment, and abnormal loading of the joints. This review provides a brief overview of the person-level risk factors and a more in-depth analysis of those at the joint level. It is only through an improved understanding of risk factors for the disease that we may be able to intervene meaningfully and prevent its occurrence.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Diet
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obesity / complications
  • Occupational Diseases
  • Osteoarthritis / diagnosis
  • Osteoarthritis / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteoarthritis / etiology*
  • Racial Groups
  • Radiography
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors