Question
Why is osteo-arthritis more common in elderly that in young people?
Answer
That is a great question, but unfortunatley one that no one is able to fully answer. There are age related changes in cartilage and bone that may be the underlying cause of OA. For instance, the water content of cartilage changes with age, making the cartilage more susceptable to injury and damage. However, there are also forms of OA that occur in the very young and it is likely a genetic defect that causes OA in those patients.
