Riassunto
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder and represents a massive problem in our aging society. For most people, it is a syndrome of joint pain and stiffness, with associated functional problems that have a substantial impact on quality of life.The two internationally renowned authors of "Fast Facts: Osteoarthritis" believe that 'something can be done to help every person with osteoarthritis'. This comprehensive handbook includes: a clear and concise description of the normal joint; a detailed overview of the pathology of osteoarthritis; expert guidance on well-established diagnostic criteria and investigations; up-to-date, practical information on drug therapy, non-pharmacological treatments and surgical options; and, joint-specific treatments for the hand, hip and knee, including intra-articular corticosteroid injections. For all health care professionals who have ever felt unable to provide effective therapy for this disease, or who have encountered negative patient and community attitudes to joint pain, "Fast Facts: Osteoarthritis" is essential reading.
Recensione
There is no doubt that any health professional working in a Primary Care setting needs to know as much as they can about Osteoarthritis. The importance of this topic is highlighted by the growing plethora of information on how to manage this condition including recent NICE guidance. This well-balanced handbook is a notable addition. It is authored by Conaghan and Sharma, both leading researchers in the osteoarthritis field, and it provides a concise distillation of up-to-date evidence on aetiology, pathogenesis and treatment in a useful and readable format. There are also useful links to other organisations and their guidance. The first part of the handbook is devoted to understanding anatomy and joint physiology in both health and disease, and highlights the importance of biomechanical factors and the emerging evidence of frequently unrecognised inflammation in osteoarthritis. It emphasises the importance of viewing osteoarthritis in the context of the whole joint and the whole person. This appropriately steers the focus away from the older concepts of osteoarthritis being an inevitable consequence of ageing or wear and tear of cartilage. Understanding these new concepts is an effective tool for clinicians seeking to help their patients obtain a deeper understanding of their condition. The second half of the handbook is devoted to diagnosis and whilst there is a focus on the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria (which is helpful in distinguishing patients with moderately severe disease from other types of arthritis, rather than assisting with a Primary Care diagnosis), this is acknowledged and there are useful tips on how to distinguish osteoarthritis in a Primary Care setting. There are useful summaries of strategies for managing disease at different joint sites with cross reference to the NICE guidance, providing consistency for UK clinicians. In summary, this is an easily readable and concise update. --Primary Care Rheumatology Society
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