What can a practice physician–rheumatologist give to the patient with osteoarthrosis?

Overview

The majority of the elderly population suffers various forms of osteoarthrosis. In question is a long-term illness difficult to treat, that on the one hand is a serious handicap for those affected in as they are limited in their activities, and on the other it also is no insignificant economic burden in the sphere of expenses for the patient as well as for the health care branch. The paper gives details on the role of physicians–rheumatologists, out-patient orthopedists and specialists in rehabilitation – who in their routine practice come in contact with that ailment. Besides a brief review of diagnostic approaches to the disease and the evaluation of its significance, there are presented pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches to osteoarthrosis. In this connection attention is brought to the fundamental importance of targeted communication between the patient and the physician in relation to the therapeutic result.

Key words:
osteoarthrosis – differential diagnostics – therapeutic program