The definition of generalized osteoarthritis in the literature is just as controversial as the discussion about correlations between GOA and Heberden's nodes (HN). Therefore, both questions were investigated in patients with proven heredity in a genealogical study of 931 family members.
In 106 patients with HN and 109 control subjects, 70 joints and spinal segments were investigated with respect to characteristic functional parameters. In addition, 44 joints and spinal segments were investigated radiologically.
GOA affects both the small and large joints as well as the spine. This phenomenon is the more pronounced the more finger joints are affected by Heberden's and Bouchard's nodes.
GOA affects the entire musculoskeletal system. The varying manifestation in individual joints and spinal segments is probably attributable to multifactorial local and systemic factors. In an earlier study, a genetic disposition with a maximum HA prevalence of 30% was identified in the study population. Since HA is considered a genetic marker for GOA, it can be assumed that the same is true of GOA prevalence.