Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability.

On June 27 and 28, the Ho Chi Minh City Rheumatology Association organized the 2025 Annual Scientific Conference to update new methods in diagnosing and treating bone and joint diseases.

The conference attracted more than 500 delegates, including leading experts, professors, doctors, medical staff in the field of rheumatology and specialties related to rheumatology from across the country.

In his opening speech, Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Dinh Hung, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Rheumatology Association, emphasized the importance of regularly updating treatment guidelines, as well as expanding interdisciplinary cooperation in the context of musculoskeletal diseases becoming increasingly common in many younger and elderly population groups.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, President of the Vietnam Rheumatology Association, osteoarthritis in Vietnam is a worrying health problem, accounting for more than 10% of bone and joint diseases. Osteoarthritis changes the structure, biochemistry, and metabolism, leading to damage to articular cartilage and the entire structure and organization of the joint. The cause of osteoarthritis is due to changes in Hyaluronic acid (HA - an essential component of synovial fluid). This is a substance that helps joints move easily, has mechanical properties, lubricates, reduces friction, and reduces shock to the joints.

Delegates chairing the discussion session

"Osteoarthritis is a common musculoskeletal disease and a leading cause of disability. The incidence of knee osteoarthritis increases with age, especially after age 50, and is the main cause of disability in people over 65 years old," Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan informed.

Associate Professor, Dr. Luu Thi Binh, President of Thai Nguyen Rheumatology Association, reported at the conference.

"HA supplementation is necessary to prevent and treat osteoarthritis. Exogenous HA in the treatment of osteoarthritis is a lubricant, supplements synovial fluid, stimulates synovial fluid production; is an elastic shock absorber. In addition, it helps reduce pain, fight inflammation and increase cartilage synthesis. Exogenous HA helps promote cartilage regeneration and prevent cartilage degeneration, enhance cartilage cell synthesis; reduce the production of inflammatory mediators", Associate Professor, Dr. Luu Thi Binh informed.

The 2025 Annual Scientific Conference of the Ho Chi Minh City Rheumatology Association includes many in-depth satellite seminars and plenary scientific sessions - topics updating the latest knowledge in diagnosis, treatment and management of autoimmune joint diseases, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, gout and musculoskeletal pain... with new topics such as: Application of IPN cross-linked HA in the treatment of osteoarthritis, The role of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) in tendinitis and rotator cuff tears, Early diagnosis of axial arthritis without X-ray damage...

THANH SON

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/thoai-hoa-khop-goi-la-nguyen-nhan-chinh-gay-tan-phe-post801647.html