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Osteoarthritis (OA) Hip and Knee Service - Information for patients

Summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It often affects the knee and hip joints. Cartilage cushions the ends of bones, where the bones meet to form a joint. In OA, this cartilage breaks down, leaving the ends of the bone unprotected. The joint then loses its smooth functioning, which causes pain and stiffness.

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Owner:
Acute Health Services Program,
Performance, Acute Programs and Rural Health,
Hospital and Health Service Performance,
Department of Health
50 Lonsdale Street,
Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Telephone: (61 3) 9096 9000