CARTILAGE AS LIVING TISSUE Flashcards
What is the function of cartilage
- Motion = reduces friction
- Load transfer= allows load to be moved from one bone on another
Define Osteoarthritis
Progressive deterioration of articular cartilage associated with changes in the bone and soft tissues of the joint, including loss of cartilage
What are the causes and risk factors of osteoarthritis
- Trauma = single or repetitive
- Obesity
- Infection
- Age
- Instability= hip dysplasia and crucial rupture
- Breed/ genetics
- inflammatory conditions
What happens in osteoarthritis
- cartilage is eroded
- damaged collagen is released from cartilage- becomes inflammatory in joint environment
What are the clinical changes in osteoarthritis
- Joint inflammation - synovitis which is primary or secondary to cartilage degradation
- Osteophyte formation
What does synovitis cause the release of
- Lysozymes
- Prostaglandin E2
- Free radicals (increase intrasynovial pressure )
- Cytokines (IL-1 )
- Pain
Describe osteophyte formation in osteoarthritis
Proliferation of new cartilage and bone at joint edges-the bodies way to try and increase joint stability
How do we diagnose osteoarthritis
- History and physical exam
- Joint fluid analysis
- Radiography and ultrasonography
- MRI/ CT
- Arthroscopy
What are the important pathways in osteoarthritis
- Proteinase activation
- causes collagen and proteoglycans destruction
- rise i prostaglandin E2
How do we treat osteoarthritis
- because cartilage is a vascular so limited repair
1. Identify and treat underlying cause
2. Block inflammatory cascade and permit repair if possible
3. Pain relief and long term management
What drugs can be used treat pain in osteoarthritis
NSAIDS
Describe long term management in osteoarthritis
Weight control
Exercise/ physical therapy