The Halland Osteoarthritis Cohort

Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal disease and is characterized by cartilage destruction, osteophyte formation, subchondral bone sclerosis and cysts. Modern treatment strategies, as well as preventive measures, include early detection and knowledge of the early course of the disease. This includes how stress patterns, physical activity, impaired function and metabolic changes and other comorbidities affect development and possible associations with osteoarthritis. The overall objective was to study the early development of osteoarthritis of the knee and its association with hand- and general osteoarthritis, metabolic diseases, biomarkers, long-term pain, physical function and stress patterns