Osteoarthritis in over 16s

Quality statements

Statement 1 Adults aged 45 or over are diagnosed with osteoarthritis clinically without imaging if they have activity‑related joint pain and any morning joint stiffness that lasts no longer than 30 minutes.

Statement 2 This statement has been removed. For more details, see update information.

Statement 3 Adults with osteoarthritis are given information about their condition and its management at diagnosis and follow-up appointments.

Statement 4 Adults with osteoarthritis are advised to do tailored therapeutic exercise.

Statement 5 Adults with osteoarthritis who are living with overweight or obesity are offered support to lose weight.

Statement 6 Adults with osteoarthritis discuss and agree their follow-up with their primary healthcare team.

Statement 7 Adults with osteoarthritis are supported with non‑surgical core treatments for at least 3 months before any referral for consideration of joint surgery.

Statement 8 Healthcare professionals do not use scoring tools to identify which adults with osteoarthritis are eligible for referral for consideration of joint surgery.