Category: BMC

Joint disease. Coloured X-ray of a knee affected by arthrosis (yellow/red, also called degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis), viewed from the side. The femur (thigh bone) is at top, the patella (kneecap) is seen at left, and the tibia is at bottom. Arthrosis is a progressive condition causing damage to the cartilage and bones of a joint. It can affect many different joints in the body. Risk factors are obesity, aging and the menopause. Activities involving repetitive movements can also lead to arthrosis. Treatment is with anti-inflammatory drugs and, in severe cases, surgery.

What happens in joints when osteoarthritis sets in?

Things would be easier if we were mice. Then there would be a treatment for osteoarthritis that would allow many of us to avoid pain in our knees, hips and other joints. “In mice, we know how to slow down cartilage degradation. But unfortunately, in humans, everything is a lot...