Grant: Operating Grant

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease and one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability in Canada. Although there is no cure, the risk of developing OA can be reduced through weight control and injury prevention. Also, medication and exercise can reduce pain and improve quality of life in patients with OA, especially when diagnosed early, while joint replacement surgery can help patients with advanced disease. However, we do not know how effective these strategies are in reducing OA burden at the population level. The question is important because the resources for prevention and treatment are finite and decisions must be made about how they should be allocated. In this study, we will apply a sophisticated computer model of OA we have developed to address this gap in knowledge. The model is based on population studies from British Columbia, Canadian data, and the literature. By modeling various hypothetical scenarios, we will be able to estimate and compare the future health impact of a range of interventions involving improvements in OA prevention, early detection, and treatment. We expect that a better understanding of the future impact of these strategies will inform health policies, improve clinical practice guidelines, enhance awareness of the treatment options among patients and, ultimately, help improve population health.