Financial and economic burden of patients with Osteoarthritic knee in Malaysia

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage which leads to pain, reduced mobility and deformity of the affected joint. The knee is one of the most commonly affected joint by OA. Knee OA is a major public health concern in Malaysia and globally, which causes disability, particularly among the aging population. OA of the knee also imposes a significant financial and economic burden on patients, healthcare system and society in Malaysia. The financial and economic burden of knee OA is substantial, which includes direct medical costs, indirect costs such as lost of productivity and other socioeconomic impact on patients and their families. This short review focuses on the financial and economic burden of knee OA in Malaysia, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions to alleviate this burden.