Osteoarthritis

Question 1

How common is OA?

Answer 1

-Most common joint condition worldwide
-Clinically significant impact on 10% of people >60

Question 2

How does OA present?

Answer 2

-Often localised to knee or hip
-Pain and crepitus on movement
-Background ache and rest
-Worse with prolonged activity
-Brief stiffness after rest
-Perceived lack of power due to pain
-Joint tenderness, bony swelling

Question 3

How does OA appear on imaging?

Answer 3

-LOSS
-Loss of joint space
-Osteophytes
-Subarticular sclerosis
-Subchondral cysts

Question 4

How is OA managed?

Answer 4

CORE TREATMENTS
-Exercise to improve muscle strength
-Weight loss if overweight
ANALGESIA
-Regular paracetamol, topical NSAIDs
-Codeine or short-term oral NSAID if ineffective
-Intra-articular steroid injections temporarily relieve pain
NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL
-Physio / OT
-Heat / cold packs
SURGERY
-Joint replacement if substantial impact on quality of life