Synovium in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease that worsens with age. It is the most common form of arthritis and a serious clinical concern in an aging population. Several risk factors associated with OA pathophysiology, including trauma-, age-, genetics- and obesity-related triggers, cause a cascade of events resulting in the degradation of joint tissues. OA, previously believed to be a disease of cartilage, is now regarded to be a disease of the whole joint, affecting cartilage, bone and synovium. Recent advances in OA research have demonstrated a critical role of synovium in the pathophysiology of OA. Synovitis is now considered as an active component of OA pathogenesis. This article focuses on the current understanding of the role of synovium in the pathophysiology of OA and its potential as a target for future therapeutic interventions.