Towards a better understanding of osteoarthritis of the knee joint

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most important causes of pain and disability in older people. Recent research, particularly epidemiological studies, has resulted in several new concepts on the pathogenesis and natural history of the disorder, which is of relevance to both prevention and treatment. Some of these new ideas, with a self-indulgent emphasis on work from my own research group, are summarised in this article.