1. Osteoarthritis Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
Most common form of arthritis
9 million in UK
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
Mid-40s or older
F>M
3
Q
What causes it?
A
Gradual breakdown of cartilage between joints
Inflammation, joint swelling
‘Wear and tear’
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
Obesity Trauma Occupation / joint overuse eg labourers Smoking Family history
5
Q
How does it present?
A
Joint pain and stiffness Joint swelling / feeling 'knobbly' Crackling sensation Weakness and muscle wasting Limited range of movements Knees and hips primarily affected
6
Q
What signs may the patient have on examination?
A
Weakness and muscle wasting
Limited range of movements
Mild swelling and tenderness
Crepitus
7
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
RA
Bursitis / tendonitis
Polymyalgia, SLE
Malignancy
8
Q
How would you investigate?
A
FBC, RF
X-ray
9
Q
What treatments are there?
A
Lifestyle modifications (weight loss)
Pain relief eg NSAIDs, Duloxetine
Surgery if severe
10
Q
What complications are there?
A
Chondrolysis
Bone death
Stress fractures
Falls risk
