Update on basic and clinical aspects of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of causes responsible for loss of labor productivity among the mid-aged and the elderly. Its main pathological changes include progressive loss of articular cartilage and formation of osteophytes, with joint pain and deformity and loss of joint function as the manifestations, resulting in decreased activity and quality of life (QoL). According to the latest demographic data, the prevalence of knee OA in China was 1.3-11.1%, while the prevalence of symptomatic knee OA was 19.4% in patients aged 60 years or older.