Degenerative Joint Disease Flashcards
What is articular cartilage made up of?
Chondrocytes and cartilage matrix
What makes up the joint capsule and synovial membrane?
Type A and type B synoviocytes
What are type A synoviocytes?
Triangular and are like a modified macrophage
What is the function of type B synoviocytes?
Make fluid
What is the cartilage matrix made up of?
75% water, 15% type II collagen fibres, 8% proteoglycans, <1% elastic and reticular fibres, 2% chondrocytes
What are common causes of DJD?
Trauma - acute ligament tear or repetitive such as concussion
Infectious inflammation such as septic arthritis
Non-infectious inflammation
Developmental disease such as dysplasia, angular limb deformity, flexural limb deformity or osteochondrosis
What does a failure of cartilage homeostasis lead to?
Breakdown products, matrix metalloproteinases and catabolic cytokines
What does the synovial membrane release in DJD?
PGs, leukotrienes, neuropeptides and cytokines
What impact does subchondral bone have on DJD?
Alters load absorption leading to cartilage damage and release of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1 and TNF
Where does the pain response come from in DJD?
No pain receptors in cartilage so pain comes from synovitis or joint distension or exposure of subchondral bone
What history needs to be taken when investigating degenerative joint disease?
Duration, specific event started, single/bilateral/multiple limbs, previous treatments and response, behavioural change
What should be noted on a clinical exam with suspected DJD?
Weight, BCS, lameness exam, muscular atrophy
What can be some useful diagnostic tests?
Intra-articular analgesia response
Synovial fluid analysis
Radiography, ultrasound, MRI
Arthroscopy +/- synovial biopsy
What are the treatment goals for DJD?
Pain reduction, stop inflammatory processes and chondroprotection
What conservative treatment options need to be performed along with medical/surgical interventions?
Weight loss and control
Exercise modification
Physiotherapy