Osteoarthrosis in patients and populations

Abstract

Osteoarthrosis has been studied in population groups as well as in patients, and such studies have led to the conclusion that osteoarthrosis in women is predominantly a polyarticular condition resulting from inherited constitutional factors which may also be influenced by diet and other environmental conditions. In men the same cauisative factors may operate; but trauma, occupational stress, and mechanical factors in the joints probably play a predominant part. Osteoarthrosis as a sequel to inflammatory joint disease also contributes to the sum of osteoarthrosis in both sexes. The future prospe:ts for prevention and medical treatment of osteoarthrosis may therefore be good, and further research along both epidemiological and experimental lines is urgently needed. In the meantime a proper differential diagnosis of the type of osteoarthrosis present and the true reasons for seeking medical consultation can lead to more successful palliative treatment. © 1961, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.