Osteoarthritis

Question 1

Give two risk factors for oesteoarthritis

Answer 1

• Obesity

- Older age

Question 2

What is the mnemonic to remember the four key XR changes in osteoarthritis?

Answer 2

LOSS:
L - loss of joint space
O - osteophytes
S - subarticular sclerosis
S - subchondral cysts

Question 3

Describe the typical symptoms of osteoarthritis

Answer 3

Joint pain and stiffness which lasts < 30 mins in morning and is made worse by activity

Question 4

Describe the conservative, medical and surgical management of osteoarthritis

Answer 4

Conservative:
- Weight loss (if necessary)

Medical:

• Analgesia
• Intra-articular steroid injections

Surgical:
- Joint replacement

Question 5

Which joints are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis?

Answer 5

Hips and knees

Question 6

Which signs may be present in the hands in a patient with osteoarthritis?

Answer 6

Bouchard’s nodes (PIPJs) and Heberden’s nodes (DIPJs)