In recent years, a number of new developments have greatly enhanced our understanding of the aetiology, pathogenesis, and management of osteoarthritis. Understanding of the mechanism of cartilege breakdown has advanced, and new evidence from animal models has shown that the development and progression of osteoarthritis can be prevented or retarded pharmacologically. With more and more cases of this disease being seen each year, there are extensive research programmes underway to find effective treatments for this disease. Osteoarthritis brings together a team of experts on this prevalent disease to provide a comprehensive textbook examining all aspects of this increasingly common condition. Included among others are sections describing the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, its clinical features, and the standard approaches to diagnosis. There are also sections covering, in depth, the management of OA, and the prospects for pharmacological treatments of joint breakdown in osteoarthritis. While being a valuable text for rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons, it should also be of interest to physical therapists, radiologists, pathologists, epidemiologists and general practitioners.