Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and irreversible joint disease characterized by pathological features such as cartilage degradation, synovial hyperplasia with inflammation, and osteophyte formation.

Over the coming decades, the incidence and prevalence of OA are projected to rise dramatically due to population aging, increasing obesity rates, and the high occurrence of traumatic joint injuries.

Recent data indicate that OA affects approximately 7% of the global population, with over 700 million people impacted [1]. OA is the leading cause of pain and disability in individuals aged 40 and above worldwide, as well as a major contributor to healthcare costs. Currently, OA has been identified as the fastest-growing major health concern, and the World Health Organization (WHO) ranks it as the second leading cause of disability.

Reference【1】Osteoarthritis in 2020 and beyond: a Lancet Commission[ J]. Lancet, 2020, 396 (10264 ):1711-1712.