Osteoarthritis

Question 1

Define Osteoarthritis.

Answer 1

It’s the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone.

Question 2

State a risk factor for Osteoarthritis.

Answer 2

Age > 40. Female. Obesity. Previous injury. Genetic Factors.

Question 3

State a symptom of Osteoarthritis.

Answer 3

Pain (exacerbated by activity and relieved by rest). Tenderness. Stiffness. Morning stiffness (last 30 minutes).

Question 4

State an examination finding in Osteoarthritis.

Answer 4

Classic distribution. Joint tenderness. Bony enlargement. Effusions (instance of giving off gas). Crepitus (crackling, popping sounds).

Question 5

State a radiographic feature in Osteoarthritis.

Answer 5

Joint space loss. Joint space sclerosis (thickening and increased bone density). Osteophytes (bony projection due to degeneration of cartilage). Subchondral cysts (fluid filled sacs inside a joint extending from one of bones that forms the joint).

Question 6

State a treatment of Osteoarthritis.

Answer 6

Non-pharmalogical therapies e.g. education, weight loss (reduces symptoms and slows progression), braces, physiotherapy. Pain relief. Joint replacement. Surgery.

Question 7

State the first stage of intervention with Osteoarthritis in regards to analgesia.

Answer 7

1st line - Topical creams e.g. Capsaicin.

Question 8

State the second stage of intervention with in regards to analgesia. Osteoarthritis.

Answer 8

Topical creams Paracetamol +/- NSAIDs (can increase risk of gastric bleeding therefore give antacid).

Question 9

When is Joint Replacement Therapy proposed?

Answer 9

When Osteoarthritis affects a patients quality of life despite non-surgical treatments.