Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis: what is the overlap?

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) are highly prevalent health problems, associated with considerable morbidity. In the past, attention was focused on a supposed inverse relationship between OA and OP, since both disorders usually affect the elderly, but were regarded to rarely coexist in a single person. However, recent studies have revealed several factors which contribute to the pathogenesis of both disorders. These insights might contribute to the development of shared new treatment options in the near future. Increased subchondral bone loss is a characteristic feature of OP and the early stage of OA, and this finding is the rationale for studies on the effect of anti-osteoporotic drugs in OA. In addition, inflammation and unfavourable body composition have been recognized as contributing factors for both disorders. Underweight is a risk factor for OP, while obesity stimulates the development of OA, by mechanical overloading of weight-bearing joints but also by supposed unfavourable effects of adipokines.