NEW INSIGHTS INTO OSTEOARTHRITIS

Not only has our understanding of cartilage structure, synthesis and b reakdown increased over the last decade, but so have the possibilities for investigation and treatment of osteoarthritis. New strategies for investigation include ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, radionu clide scintigraphy, monitoring of biochemical markers for cartilage br eakdown and miniarthroscopy. There is greater appreciation of the impo rtance of exercise and analgesics in pain management, and drugs to ret ard cartilage breakdown are under development.