Erosive osteoarthritis (EOA) is an important subtype of OA, characterised by an aggressive clinical course in perimenopausal women.1 Pain, swelling, redness, warmth and limited function of the digital joints are commonly found in most patients. Erosions (sharp marginal defects, central “crumbling” erosion, “gull-wing” deformity) are an essential hallmark for diagnosis. EOA eventually leads to joint deformity and ankylosis and is an important cause of disability, usually compared to the handicap caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

There are currently no guidelines on the best therapeutic approach in EOA, and treatments usually recommended for patients who do not have EOA (paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intra-articular injection of corticosteroids, chondroitin sulfate) …