Influences in degenerative joint pathology

Abstract

Improving the aged population’s health is a complex goal that requires a multifactorial approach and the knowledge of etiopathogenic factors. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease and the second leading cause of disability in people over the age of 50, which has a substantial economic impact and turns into a real social and public health problem. Although it manifested in less than 30% of the older population, pathological changes in the articular cartilage are founded in all deaths over 65 years. That is why we consider primary prophylaxis an important goal for the disease. This minireview presents etiological factors as genetic predisposition, age, body mass index, sex, bone density and the pathogenic degradation of articular cartilage. This includes two aspects of evolution, the progressive degradation of the articular cartilage and the reparative reaction of the subchondral bone. In conclusion, knowing these mechanisms are the first step in managing degenerative joint pathology.