[Results of new research in the area of osteoarthritis].

In the course of time, general components of the hyaline cartilage, chondrocytes and cartilage matrix, can lose its quality due to nutritive, toxic and enzymatic influences but also due to excessive mechanical usage so that the hyaline articular cartilage fulfils no longer its function as a hydroelastic bumper. This results in progressive mechanical cartilage destruction and sklerosing reconstruction of the subchondral bone. The parts of the matrix that are freed by the mechanical abrasion can function as inflammatory mediators and set an accompanying synovitis going. It is this secondary synovitis that then leads to a painful manifestation of osteoarthrosis. In this case, an antiphlogistic therapy is necessary, because during a secondary synovitis cytokines are set free that endanger the yet intact articular cartilage.