Osteoarthritis Flashcards
What is osteo-arthritis?
The gradual abrasion of articular cartilage layer
Osteoarthritis symptoms
Pain
Inflammation
Joint stiffness & deformity
Crepitus
Bony spurs
Loss of cartilage
Most common sites of OA
- Knee
- Hip
Ages affected from OA
> 30 = increased prevalence iwth age
Why are women more heavily affected by OA?
Hormone changes (< estrogen after menopause).
Relationship between OA and osteoporosis?
Inverse relationship (typically you either have OA or osteoporosis not both)
How is OA genetically caused?
Vitamin D receptor gene (causes it not to be absorbed properly resulting in OA)
What age group is most at risk of OA
70-79
Prevalence of knee arthritis
Women = 1100/100,000
Men = 800/100,000
Prevalence of hip arthritis
Women = 600/100,000
Men = 400/100,000
Prevalence of hand arthritis
Women = 550/100,000
Men = 300/100,000
Typical osteoarthritis arthritis
Cartilage erosion
Exposed bone (accelerates degradation)
Movement is painful/ROM decreased due to meniscus and cartilage degradation (these structures are meant to be protective cushioning)
Bone spurs - heightened osteoblast activity = new bone laid down (further limits ROM/causes pain)
Role of X-ray in OA
Determines extent of damage
Can identify presence of bony spurs, lesions and subchondral sclerosis (thickening of bone)
Role of MRI in OA
Higher level of detail
T2 mapping (colour scale) can estimate the amount of cartilage collagen
Sodium imaging (heat scale) can estimate cartilage glycosaminoglycan content
What is rheumatoid arthritis
Synovial disease characterised by joint inflammation and destruction
Affects the joint capsule.