Osteoarthritis is the disorder of the joints that may affect joints in the hands, knees, lower back, neck and the hips. It leads to a severe pain in the joints, locking, stiffness, tenderness and joint effusion. Hereditary, mechanical, metabolic and developmental defects are suspected of initiating the loss of cartilage that results in the damage to the joints.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting around 27 million people in the United States and around 8 million people in the UK. Treatment methods involve lifestyle modification, exercise and medicines.