Osteoarthritis outpatients: the implementation and first results of lifstyle programs

Summary:

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common musculoskeletal disorder and its prevalence increases with age. In the Netherlands the total number of people between twenty and sixty-five years that visits the general practitioner because of OA is about 200.000. Taken in consideration the people above sixty five years of age results in an extra number of 450.000 people. Past research has proven that even patients with severe OA can have positive benefits with conservative treatment. In this project the conservative treatment consists of programs which influence the lifestyle (exercise and eating habits). Until now these treatments are applied only in controlled environmental settings. The aim of this project is to implement these treatments as a part of the OA outpatient clinic at the orthopaedic department.

Methods

Implementation of lifestyle programs consisting of separate or a combination of treatments in patients with OA, who are not yet qualified for joint replacement.

Expectations

It is our hypothesis that this new treatment strategy will result in a reduction of pain and improvement of function of the affected joint, which will postpone a chirurgical intervention.