Osteoarthritis Flashcards
what is
wear and tear
occurs in the synovial joints and is a result of a combination of genetic factors, overuse and injury.
NOT inflammatory
A degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive loss of joint cartilage and changes in the underlying bone.
epidemiology and aetiology
most common form of arthritis.
pathogenesis not clear
Risk factors include age, obesity, joint injury, and genetic predisposition.
abnormal anatomy
intraarticular fracture
ligament rupture
meniscal tear
farmers
football players
persistent heavy physical activity
elite running
presents with
Joint pain, typically worsens with activity and improves with rest.
Stiffness after periods of inactivity, such as morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes.
Crepitus or a grating sensation during joint movement.
Joint swelling, tenderness, and warmth may be present but are typically milder compared to inflammatory arthritis.
Gradual onset and slow progression over time.
diagnosis
based on clinical assessment, imaging (e.g., X-ray), and exclusion of other causes.
45 years plus
activity related joint pain and no or stiffness lasting less than 30 mins
management
thermotherapy, electrotherapy, splints, manual therapy, weight loss
oral analgesia- paracetamol/ NSAIDs
topical- NSAIDs, capsaicin (knee/ hand)
intra articular injections of steroids (hyaluronic acid)
surgical referral if impact of QOL, non surgical treatment not working
- joint replacement
commonly affected joints
Hips
Knees
Sacro-iliac joints
Distal-interphalangeal joints in the hands (DIPs)
The CMC joint at the base of the thumb
Wrist
Cervical spine
x ray changes in osteoarthritis LOSS
xray changes-
L – Loss of joint space
O – Osteophytes
S – Subchondral sclerosis (increased density of the bone along the joint line)
S – Subchondral cysts (fluid-filled holes in the bone, aka geodes)
Xray changes do not necessarily correlate with symptoms
