HLTH 2501: joint disorders Flashcards
osteoarthritis prevalence
one in three adults have some degree of this, with men more affected
osteoarthritis
is a wear and tear joint disease, in which the articular cartilage is damaged and eroded, causing pain and inflammation of the joint
how does osteoarthritis develop?
the articular cartilage is damaged and eroded through stress, and the tissue damage causes the release of enzymes that accelerate the disintegration of the cartilage; the bone eventually is exposed, causing cysts, osteophytes, or new bone spurs to develop and break off into the synovial cavity; this causes the joint space to narrow and for inflammation to develop
osteophytes
bony lumps that grow on the bones in the spine or around joints
causes of osteoarthritis (primary and secondary)
primary is caused by obesity and aging and second is causes by injury or abuse; genetic factors, wear and tear, and sports also have an effect
most common affected joints in osteoarthritis
knees and hips
why is osteoarthritis a cycle?
because once the cartilage is damaged, joint alignment or the frictionless surface of the cartilage is lost, and then the mechanical stress is applied to other parts of the joint and to other joints
signs of osteoarthritis
pain and aching that occurs with movement and weight bearing, limited joint ROM, enlarged joints due to osteophytes, muscle atrophy, risk for falls, and crepitus may be heard
osteoarthritis diagnosis
not systemic so no other signs or changes in serum levels; other disorders must be ruled out; radiographic evidence may be used to look at joints
treatment for osteoarthritis
rest, minimizing impact on the joint, ambulatory aids like a cane, orthotic shoe inserts, PT, OT, static magnets, intra articular injection of synthetic synovial fluid, NSAIDs, analgesics, glucocorticoids, and sometimes surgery to replace joints
rheumatoid arthritis
is an autoimmune disorder causing chronic systemic inflammation disease; it more common in women
how does rheumatoid arthritis develop?
an abnormal immune response causes inflammation of the synovial membrane, along with vasodilation, increased permeability, and the formation of exudate, causing red, swollen and painful joints; often begins in the small joints in the fingers, followed by other joints like the wrists, eblows, knees
rheumatoid factor
is an antibody against immunoglobulin G
where does rheumatoid arthritis often develop?
the small joints first (such as the fingers), followed by larger joints like the elbows, wrists, and knees; TMJ and upper cervical vertebrae may also be affected
order of events in rheumatoid arthritis
synovitis, pannus formation, cartilage erosion, fibrosis, and ankylosis
panus formation
granulation tissue from the synovium spreads over the articular cartilage; this tissue which is called pannus releases enzymes and inflammatory mediators that destroy the cartilage
cartilage erosion
cartilage is eroded by enzymes from the pannus and the nutrients that are normally supplied by the synovial fluid to the cartilage are cut off by the pannus
fibrosis in RA
in time, the pannus between the bone ends becomes fibrotic, limiting movement and this calcifies
ankylosis
joint fixation and deformity develop
nodules
are small granulomas on blood vessels
what besides the inflammation process occurs in rheumatoid arthritis exacerbations?
muscles atrophy, leading to stretched tendons and ligaments; bone alignment shifts; muscle spasms may occur, causing misalignment; contractures and deformities with subluxation develop; and systemic signs
systemic effects of rheumatoid arthritis
nodules (small granulomas on blood vessels) may form on the pleura, heart valves, or eyes; fatigue, depression, malaise, anorexia and low-grade fever may also develop in response to circulating immune factors
causes of rheumatoid arthritis
genetic factors that cause autoimmune disorders, viral infections, and more common in older women
signs of rheumatoid arthritis
mild general aching, stiffness after rest, inflammation of the fingers and wrist, red and swollen joints, impaired joint movement, malocclusion of the teeth when TMJ is involved, and systemic signs (fatigue, anorexia, mild fever)
what occurs with each exacerbation of the disease?
the function of the affected joints is further impaired; eventually the joint is no longer inflamed but is fixed and deformed (burned out)
testing for rheumatoid arthritis
synovial fluid analysis and sometimes the presence of rheumatoid fever in the blood
treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
a balance between rest and moderate activity, PT, OT, aspirin, NSAIDs, or glucocorticoids, and sometimes immunosuppressants (ex. methotrexate), heat and cold, splints, wrist supports, and sometimes surgery
what NSAID inhibits prostaglandin during inflammation?
celecoxib which can be effective in RA, but may have risks associated with MIs and strokes