diagnóstico e abordagem terapêutica da osteoartrite

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease among adults in the global context and the cause of major disability in the elderly. It is a disease with no cure established, and therefore the main objectives of treatment are to minimize the associated pain, slow the progression of disease and ensure a better quality of life for the patient. The algorithm of the treatment of osteoarthritis should include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic components linked in an integrated manner and consider that surgery occurs when the bankruptcy of the above takes place. The main lines of action on the part of the pharmacist in osteoarticular pathology are early identification of disease, to act in modifiable risk factors, monitoring of treatment, set in a personalized manner, ensuring adherence, compliance, effectiveness and its safety. The patient should be involved and made responsible for the management of his disease and therapy. Training and education of the patient must also be concern of the Pharmacist. The study methodology consisted of a literature review in Pubmed and B-Online using as main keywords: “Osteoarthritis”, “epidemiology”, “risk factors”, “obesity”, “age”, “symptoms”, “signs”, “treatment”, “osteotomy”, “arthroplasty”, “acupuncture”, “tens”, “arthrodesis”, “nutraceuthicals”, “prevention” and “surgery”. The high prevalence of musculoskeletal disease, high economic, social and personal costs associated and the prospect of its considerable increase due to the increase of its two main risk factors (aging population and obesity), justify a systematic analysis of this issue in order to build solid skills in health professionals who deal closely with these patients, particularly in pharmaceuticals.