The term arthritis refers to many diseases, the most common of which is osteoarthritis (OA).The disease is usually defined using radiologic criteria. More than 80% of people older than 75 years are symptomatic of OA. Considering cost of diagnosis, therapy (nonpharmacologic, pharmacologic, and surgical), side effects of therapy, and lost productivity, Given the large numbers of patients and the expense of the disease, it is not surprising that the diagnosis and care of patients with OA have come under scrutiny. This Application will provide some background on the disease and discuss management approaches that view the patient as a whole.
