It is estimated that between 10% to 15% of all adults, aged over 60, have some degree of OA, with prevalence being higher among women than men and likely representing underreporting, which is common in many disease prevalence studies.

Suffering from OA can profoundly affect the individual and their families, but there is also a huge socio-economic impact. 

There is currently no cure for OA, and no drugs are available to slow its progression.  Surgical intervention can replace but not restore affected joints. 

The research specifically aimed at OA management in Europe is scattered and not strategically coordinated. There are several networks that have OA partly in focus; it is a minor part of their agenda and lacks the focus and dedicated commitment to coordinate progress.

The EUSOA will bring together Patients, Clinicians and Researchers in both academia and industry to work together to address these issues.