Based on small to moderate effect sizes for the wide range of symptomatic treatments in osteoarthritis (OA), and on the heterogeneity of OA patients, treatment guidelines for OA have stressed the need for research on clinical predictors of response to different treatments. A meta-analysis to quantify the effect modified by the predictors using individual patient data (IPD) is suggested. The initia

Objective: To update evidence for available therapies in the treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine whether research evidence has changed from 31 January 2006 to 31 January 2009. Methods: A systematic literature search was undertaken using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, Science Citation Index and the Cochrane Library. The quality of studies was assessed. Effect sizes (ESs) an

Total hip replacement (THR) is an effective intervention with a good cost/benefit ratio. Worldwide, each year it brings relief in the form of improved function and decreased pain to at least half a million patients with severe osteoarthritis (OA). Since the introduction by Charnley more than 30 years ago, the basic concept remains much the same, but with a multitude of changes in details of surgic

Purpose: To develop concise, patient-focussed, up to date, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), which are adaptable and designed to assist physicians and allied health care professionals in general and specialist practise throughout the world. Methods: Sixteen experts from four medical disciplines (primary care, rheumatology, orth

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease encountered throughout Europe. A task force for the EULAR Standing Committee for Clinical Trials met in 1998 to determine the methodological and logistical approach required for the development of evidence based guidelines for treatment of knee OA. The guidelines were restricted to cover all currently available treatments for knee OA

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease encountered throughout Europe. A task force for the EULAR standing committee for clinical trials met in 1998 to determine the methodological and logistical approach required for the development of evidence-based guidelines for treatment of knee OA. The guidelines were restricted to cover all currently available therapies for knee OA

Osteoarthritis is a heterogeneous and multifactorial disease with many pathogenic mechanisms implicated in its development and progression. Although osteoarthritis is a manifestation of certain metabolic, mechanical or inflammatory events, several distinct forms of osteoarthritis are inherited as dominantly acquired Mendelian traits. Gathering evidence is showing that inheritance and possible muta