OsteoArthritis Flashcards
what is osteoarthritis?
degenerative joint disease
what body parts is OA most common in?
hips, knees, spine, hands
patho of OA
- wearing down of cartilage in joints resulting in bone on bone
- –> friction of bones as cartilage wears down
- –> formation of bony spurs (osteophites?) as a result of increased osteoblastic activity
primary causes of OA
- Aging
- Genetics
secondary causes of OA
- Joint Injury (Occupational and Repetitive exercise)
- Obesity
- Trauma
- Overuse
- Diseases
characteristics of OA
- chronic joint pain and stiffness that worsens after activity and diminishes with rest
- limited ROM with pain or crepitus
- enlarged/hardened joints
Heberden’s Nodes vs Bouchard’s Nodes:
Heberden’s Nodes: boney nodules at distal interphalangeal joint
Bouchard’s Nodes: boney nodules at proximal interphalangeal joint
diagnostics for OA
Based on History and Physical Examination
X-rays may show degenerative changes
MRI and CT for vertebral and knees
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and hs-C reactive protein (synovitis)(generalized inflammatory markers)
pain management interventions for OA….what is last resort?
- Tylenol
- Lidoderm patches
- Other topical medications
- NSAIDS
- Topical NSAIDS
- Muscle Relaxants
- Opioids - last resort, use if waiting for long term fix like surgery, not itself a long term solution
is there a cure for OA?
no!
other interventions for OA pain management??
- Exercise and Rest balance
- Hot or cold therapy (focus on heat)
- Weight control
- Supplements
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Position
- Shoes
- Surgery
- PT/OT
- Swimming, Walking, Cycling, Aerobics
- Home Adjustments
- Beware of curative remedies
- -> nothing cures it
surgery for OA
total joint arthroplasty/replacement
total joint arthroplasty/replacement- when do we do it and what is it?
= surgical creation of joint
- Indicated:only when QOL can no longer be maintained
- Majority of patients are >60
most common joint for arthroplasty/replacement?
knee
contraindications for arthroplasty?
Infection, Advanced osteoporosis, Severe inflammation, Severe diabetes/dialysis