OA Flashcards
Describe the 3 layers/zones of cartilage above the tidemark.
- tangential layer/superficial zone: reserve chondrocytes are here, they are smaller and flattened
- transitional layer/middle zone: where chondrocytes start to proliferate, they are bigger and rounder
- radial layer/deep zone: chondrocytes hypertrophy and become more rounded, they form into columns and stacks
What is found below the tidemark in cartilage?
- calcified zone
- subchondral zone
- cancellous bone
What types of collagen are found in the ECM of cartilage? Which is the main type?
Type II collagen is the main type - it is found in all layers, but most is in the superficial layer
Type X is found in the calcified deep layers
There is also collagen type I among others
Describe the structure of proteoglycans and state their role.
proteoglycans have a core protein (hyaluronan) and glycosaminoglycan side chains (keratin sulphate and chondroitin sulphate)
role: regulate compressibility and absorb shock
Why is pain not felt when cartilage alone is damaged?
There is no nerve supply
- only feel pain once synovial and bone are affected
What is the orientation of the collagen fibres in the different layers of cartilage?
Superficially: parallel with surface, highest tensile properties allows gliding
Intermediate: criss-crossed which allows for compression
Deep: perpendicular to follow the stacks of chondrocytes
What joints are mainly affected in OA?
Larger, weight-bearing joints
Knees, hips, but also small hand joints
Does OA usually present unilaterally or bilaterally?
Unilaterally
What are the symptoms of OA?
Joint pain (with use) morning stiffness <30 minutes joint instability or buckling loss of function crepitus on motion
What are the signs of OA?
bony enlargement at affected joints limited range of motion muscle atrophy/weakness malalignment and/or joint deformity crepitus on motion
What are the main radiological and biochemical features of OA?
Radiological:
- narrowing of joint space
- osteophytes
- subchondral sclerosis
- subchondral cysts
- vascular engorgement
- trabecular fracture
Biochemical:
- synovitis
- hyaluronic acid depolymerised
What are the systemic risk factors for OA?
- genetics
- increasing age
- female gender
- diet
- BMD
- post-menopausal HRT
What are the intrinsic risk factors for OA?
- past joint surgery
- infection
- congenital abnormalities, e.g. -joint Mal-alignment
What are the extrinsic risk factors for OA?
- past joint surgery
- occupational exposures
- physical activity levels
- BMI
In the development of OA, what is increasingly broken down/produced less?
Aggrecan and collagen type II