There are many known risk factors for osteoarthritis (OA) such as advancing age and obesity. A previous joint injury or deformity from birth can put the joint at risk for OA. As you suspect, studies are starting to show that a genetic link may be a risk factor as well.

A recent study at the University of Oxford in England has shown a link between sisters and their children. Children of siblings who both have OA are 3.5 times more likely to develop hip arthritis.

Not every woman's children had OA so researchers think there may be other genetic factors involved. Environmental risk factors are also possible.

Other studies of siblings with OA have found a possible link to chromosomes 2q, 4q, 6, 11q, 16p, and 16q. These are specific locations (genes) on a chromosome. Thanks to the Genome Project genes on each chromosome can be mapped now. In the future gene therapy may make it possible to routinely replace defective genes.