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Introduction Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease worldwide, affecting over 20 million individuals in the United States alone. Its high prevalence entails significant costs to society. Direct costs of osteoarthritis include clinician visits, medications, and surgical intervention. Indirect costs include such items as time lost from work. Costs associated with osteoarthritis can be particularly significant for elderly persons, who face potential loss of independence and who may need help with daily living activities. As the populations of developed nations age over the next few decades, the need for better understanding of osteoarthritis and for improved therapeutic alternatives will continue to grow. Pathophysiology Traditionally, osteoarthritis has been considered a disease of articular cartilage. The current concept holds that osteoarthritis involves the entire joint organ, including the subchondral bone and...