This article is part 1 of a two-part summary of an NIH
conference, “Stepping Away from OA: Prevention of Onset,
Progression, and Disability of Osteoarthritis.” The
conference brought together experts in osteoarthritis from
diverse backgrounds and provided a multidisciplinary and
comprehensive summary of recent advances in the prevention
of osteoarthritis onset, progression, and disability. For
research questions and opportunities identified at the conference,
see www.nih.gov/niams/reports/oa/oareport.htm
(accessed on 25 May 2000).
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
Among U.S. adults 30 years of age or older, symptomatic
disease in the knee occurs in approximately 6% and symptomatic
hip osteoarthritis in roughly 3% (1). Since osteoarthritis
is a disease whose prevalence increases with age, it
will become even more prevalent in the future as the bulging
cohort of baby boomers grows older.
Because of its prevalence and the frequent disability
that accompanies disease in the knee and hip, osteoarthritis
accounts for more trouble with climbing stairs and walking
than any other disease (2). Osteoarthritis is the most common
reason for total hip and total knee replacement.