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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent condition, and the hand is the most commonly affected site. Patients with hand OA frequently report symptoms of pain, functional limitations and frustration in undertaking everyday activities. The condition presents clinically with changes to the bone, ligaments, cartilage and synovial tissue, which can be observed using radiography, ultrasonography or MRI. Hand OA is a heterogeneous disorder and is considered to be multifactorial in aetiology. This Review provides an overview of the epidemiology, presentation and burden of hand OA, including an update on hand OA imaging (including the development of novel techniques), disease mechanisms and management. In particular, areas for which new evidence has substantially changed the way we understand, consider and treat hand OA are highlighted. For example, genetic studies, clinical trials and careful prospective imaging studies from the past 5 years are beginning to provide insights into the pathogenesis of hand OA that might uncover new therapeutic targets in the disease.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/s41584-018-0095-4

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Rev Rheumatol

Publication Date

11/2018

Volume

14

Pages

641 - 656

Keywords

Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Clinical Trials as Topic, Disease Management, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Hand, Humans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Osteoarthritis, Phenotype, Treatment Outcome, Ultrasonography