An overview of OA research in two urban APLAR populations.

ABSTRACT

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent type of arthritis in the elderly, is also among the first five leading causes of disability in developed countries. With the 'Westernized' living environment and lifestyle among Southeast Asian urbanized cities, where obesity is on the rise and the populations are ageing, the incidence of OA is expected to rise in the next decades. There is need to summarize research work within these places. This article summarizes some of the research aspects of OA in Southeast Asian cities. These data may form a useful basis for future planning of medical resource and needs.