Pathogenesis and treatment of osteoarthritis: the latest progress / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The etiology of osteoarthritis is not yet clear. There are a large number of studies on the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, such as cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone degeneration, joint mechanical changes, and nerve conduction abnormality. OBJECTIVE: To explore the latest advances in the pathogenesis and treatment methods of osteoarthritis at home and abroad.METHODS: The literatures concerning osteoarthritis at home and abroad were searched using the keywords of osteoarthritis, mechanism, therapy in English and Chinese, respectively. Finally, 46 eligible literatures were enrolled for overview.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The incidence of osteoarthritis is closely related to the degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone, changes in joint mechanics and arthralgia. Superficial zone tissues of articular cartilage vary with age increasing, which is easy to cause osteoarthritis. The treatment should lay emphasis on prevention so as to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis and delay its progression, but not on the combination of non-drug and drug-based treatment. Notably, obesity is the most important risk factor for osteoarthritis. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug is the first choice for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis according to Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoarthritis. Fish oil cannot alleviate the progression of osteoarthritis. Surgical treatment is not recommended in the early osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis will not be cured completely through arthroscopic operation, and arthroplasty is recommended for those severe patients.