Osteoarthritis

Answer 1

Osteoarthritis
This is a degenerative articular cartilage disease of varied aetiology. It can affect all joints, but mostly the hips and knees. Important differentials include, rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis affecting the joints.
Primary osteoarthritis is usually age-related (old age), whiles secondary osteoarthritis may be due to other causes.

Question 2

Causes

Answer 2

Causes
y Trauma
y Infections
y Inflammatory arthritides

Question 3

Signs and Symptoms

Answer 3

Symptoms
y Pain on activity and relieved by rest initially
y Joint stiffness
y Joint swelling
y Limping
Signs
y Limping
y Joint swelling
y Joint effusion
y Deformities
y Leg length discrepancy

Question 4

Investigations

Answer 4

Investigations
y X-ray of affected joint

Question 5

Treatment — page 553 STG

Answer 5

Treatment
Treatment objectives
y Relieve pain
y Prevent progression
y Improve function of joint
y Prevent deformities or complications

Non-pharmacological treatment
y Physiotherapy y Weight loss
y Walking aid
y Braces
y Surgery
y Aspiration of excessive synovial fluid y Osteotomies
y Arthroplasties
y Arthrodesis

Answer 6

Referral Criteria
Refer complicated cases to the orthopaedic specialist.