[Rheumatology expertise].

Requests for expert appraisals in cases of osteoarthritic diseases increases continually, especially those addressed by the "Office de I'Assurance Invalidité (OAI)" or private insurances (PRIV). In this series of 413 cases, the mean age of the applicants was significantly lower than that of 10 years ago. There were more men than women, foreigners than Swiss natives and couples than people living alone but not significantly. 85% of complaints were for vertebral pain; fibromyalgia and depression were noted in 8% and 27% of cases respectively. Only 42% of those demanding time off work had heavy work; 66% did not continue their schooling beyond the minimum requirement. Less than 1/3 of work interruption for OAI and 1/6 for PRIV were confirmed; more than 1/2 of the patients for PRIV could not justify a work disability higher than 20%. 19% of our appraisals were disputed; 3% succeeded and 3% are still in progress. Chronic rheumatological complaints do not necessarily result in insurance compensations. Practitioners can contribute to chronification of rheumatological complaints by perpetuating work interruption for non medical reasons.