Osteoarthritis: more than a ‘wear-and-tear’ disease leading to the loss of cartilage

Prof. Henrotin, emphasized his mission to convince that the previous understanding of Osteoarthritis as a progressive wear-and-tear of cartilage due to ageing and an excess of mechanical stress has evolved to a complex disease process involving all tissues, inflammatory pathways and the immune system. Different pheno- and endotypes exist, classified by specific molecular pathways. The current understanding of Osteoarthritis should always be holistic taking into account the disease, biological and psycho-social factors and comorbidities.