Osteoarthiritus

Question 1

Define osteoarthiritus

Answer 1

A progressive disorder of the joints caused by gradual cartilage loss resulting in the development of bony spurs and cysts at the joint margins

Question 2

How does osteoarthritis affect articular cartilage

Answer 2

Changes it colour
Swollen
Cartilage fibrillation

Question 3

What does osteoarthiritius cause a decrease in

Answer 3

Water content (although there is an initial increase)
Proteoglycan synthesis
Collagen cross linking
Size of GAGs, aggrecan and hyaleuronic acid

Question 4

What are the types of osteoarthritis and what causes them?

Answer 4

Primary - degenerative

secondary - caused by trauma

Question 5

Name some risk factors of osteoarthiritus

Answer 5

Woman
Over 45
genetic
have low vit. d/c levels

Question 6

Name some symptoms of osteoarthritis

Answer 6

Pain esp. when weight bearing
Short lived morning stiffness
Difficulty moving effected joints

Question 7

How do you diagnose osteoarthritis

Answer 7

take a medical history

X ray - to look for bony spurs, cysts or joint narrowing

Question 8

Name the 2 methods of osteoarthritis treatment

Answer 8

operative and non operative

Question 9

Describe the 2 operative methods of treatment

Answer 9

joint replacement and cartilage transplant

Question 10

Name some non operative treatment methods

Answer 10

Cortisones
Injections
walking aids
weight loss
Physio
NSAIDS 
paracetamol