des Arbeitsbereichs Osteoarthrosen im Kompetenznetz Rheuma

Osteoarthritis Research Section

The research section osteoarthritis was established in 2006, at the 34th annual meeting of the German Society of Rheumatology and initially involved experts (including rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons, pathologists and basic scientists) form 12 different academic centres, specialized hospitals and from ambulatory settings. The main agenda of this research section was defined as follows:

• establishing a multidisciplinary network of researchers interested in osteoarthritis
  
  
• improving the interaction of basic scientists and clinicians in studying the pathogenesis and new therapeutic approaches for the disease
  
  
• standardising the procedures of data and sample collection across the participating centres
  
  
• providing the basis for collaborative grant applications both at the national and international (EU) level for forthcoming osteoarthritis calls
  
  
• organizing common workshops as a platform of interaction between the different centres

Since the establishment of the research section, a database of interested centres and individuals has been compiled, and we have performed a survey among members of the German Society of Rheumatology as well as other interested individuals concerning their specific expectations. As a result of that survey, the group met at the 35th annual meeting of the German Society of Rheumatology and decided to initiate a research project that focuses on hand OA. A detailed plan of investigation, including a concept for potential funding, will be worked out and distributed for discussion and approval by the end of the year.