Purpose of review: This review describes advances in our knowledge on the clinical burden of hand osteoarthritis, its relation to radiographic signs of osteoarthritis and potential targets for therapy. Treatments and trial methodology for hand osteoarthritis are critically reviewed.
Recent findings: Recent studies have shown that there is an association between radiographic hand osteoarthritis and hand pain, and that symptomatic hand osteoarthritis leads to substantial disability. Some risk factors for hand osteoarthritis have been described but the development of hand osteoarthritis is still unclear. Unfortunately, pharmacological therapies for hand osteoarthritis are lacking and have been investigated little. Only a few studies on other treatment modalities are available. Surgical treatments are not covered in this review.
Summary: Advances have been made in our understanding of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis. Potential targets for therapy are recognized. The challenge for the coming years is to conduct clinical trials of high quality in hand osteoarthritis.