Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) refers to a group of mechanically-induced joint disorders to which both genetic and acquired factors contribute. Whilst, the pathogenesis of the disease is unclear, there are, currently, no treatments that prevent the development or the progression of osteoarthritis. An improved mechanistic and pathologic understanding of OA will likely reveal new therapeutic targets to slow or halt disease progression. The ability to slow progression of OA in older adults will have enormous public health implications given the aging of our population and the increase in other OA risk factors such as obesity. This review is seeking to gain insight into recent concepts in osteoarthritis aetio-pathogenesis dealing with the joint as an organ and OA as a disease of the whole joint. The focus is on highlighting the use of biomarkers for early diagnosis of joint degeneration and whether imaging can be used as a biomarker for early diagnosis as well as disease progression of joint affection. The article will also review recent opportunities and challenges in the management of osteoarthritis and the possibility of a unique window of opportunity to limit the disease chronic consequences.
Keywords: Osteoarthritis, Biomarkers, US, MRI, Early diagnosis, window of opportunity.
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