At the launch of the Bone and Joint Decade, a WHO Scientific Group met on the burden of musculoskeletal conditions. Based on the results of that meeting, a recent WHO Technical Report suggests a number of health domains of importance in patients with osteoarthritis [1]. These recommendations are based on the health domains covered by available generic health status measures and a qualitative review of the literature. The domains include physical health, social health, mental health, and handicap/participation. In addition, this report mentions a number of sub-domains with different levels of importance, like pain, activities/roles, mobility, self care, eating, ambulation and sexuality.