The present invention relates to an antagonist of GM-CSF for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis, wherein the antagonist is an antibody specific for the GM-CSF receptor. The present invention also relates to the use of an antagonist of GM-CSF in the preparation of a medicament in the treatment of osteoarthritis, wherein the antagonist is an antibody specific for the GM-CSF receptor as well as to compositions comprising said antagonist of GM-CSF for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis.