Spector T D, Hochberg M C
Department of Rheumatology, St Thomas's Hospital, London, UK.
Ann Rheum Dis. 1994 Feb;53(2):143-6. doi: 10.1136/ard.53.2.143.
In conclusion, though there are numerous opportunities and different approaches to studying the epidemiology of OA, we have concentrated on some of the methodological problems and difficulties inherent in these methods. We think it is important that researchers are aware of these problems before undertaking such studies. In addition, readers of published studies need to be aware of these potential pitfalls before being able to make valid judgements on research papers. We hope, however, that stressing these problems does not dissuade present and future investigators from participating in this area of research. Despite difficulties inherent in the epidemiology of chronic diseases and OA in particular, studies may uncover modifiable risk factors for the development and progression of OA which could lead to important preventive strategies.
总之，尽管研究骨关节炎流行病学有众多机会和不同方法，但我们专注于这些方法中固有的一些方法学问题和困难。我们认为研究人员在开展此类研究之前了解这些问题很重要。此外，已发表研究的读者在能够对研究论文做出有效判断之前，需要意识到这些潜在陷阱。然而，我们希望强调这些问题不会劝阻当前和未来的研究人员参与这一研究领域。尽管慢性病流行病学尤其是骨关节炎流行病学存在固有困难，但研究可能会发现骨关节炎发生和发展的可改变风险因素，从而带来重要的预防策略。
