Gabriel SE, Crowson CS, Campion ME et al.
The Journal of Rheumatology, 1997;24:43-48.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is perceived as being less severe as well as less costly than rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To determine direct and nondirect expenditures associated with both musculoskeletal disorders, a survey was conducted among 200 patients with OA, 200 patients with RA and 200 patients who did not have arthritis. Those with either RA or OA required three times more medical care than those without. As well, those in the OA and RA groups had greater expenses (homecare and childcare, assistive devices, medical equipment, etc.). Those with RA were more likely to have lost their job, taken early retirement, reduced working hours or stopped working than those with OA. Of those with RA, 15% could not find employment because of their illness whereas only 3% of those with OA and 1% without arthritis could not find employment. Although expenses for those with OA were lower than those of the RA group, the OA group's indirect and non-medical expenses were higher than those without arthritis. In some cases, those with OA had expenses similar to those with RA.