The management of musculoskeletal problems in hemophilia. Part I. Principles of medical management of hemophilia.

Musculoskeletal bleeding in general and arthropathy in particular are the central problems among many in the two major forms of hemophilia: classic hemophilia, caused by factor VIII deficiency, and Christmas disease, caused by factor IX deficiency. Currently available replacement therapy, if properly used in a multidisciplinary setting, should provide significant benefit to hemophilic patients despite its cost and occasional complications.