Osteoarthritis Flashcards
What is OA?
Chronic, progressive disorder characterized by the loss of articular cartilage in primarily hands, knees, hips and spine
True or False? The most common form of arthritis is OA
True
Peak age of onset of OA is?
50-60 years
The MOA of OA is not completely understood, but what is the primary and secondary etiology of it?
Primary - no identifiable factor
Secondary - other metabolic factors identified (i.e., hemachromatosis, acromegaly)
How is joint trauma a factor of OA? (3)
- Biochemical and mechanical changes –>
- Loss of functionality –>
- Changes in cartilage, joint capsule, subtracheal bone
Describe the pathogenesis of OA (3)
- Imbalance between cartilage maintenance and destruction
- Role of inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL-1)
- Role of matrix metalloprotease
Describe how the imbalance between cartilage maintenance and destruction can cause OA (3)
- Malfunction of chondrocyte (responsible for cartilage breakdown)
- End result is loss of proteoglycans and water
- Formation of osteophytes (bony outgrowths)
What are the 2 modifiable risk factors for OA?
- Obesity
- Joint trauma
What are the 4 non-modifiable risk factors for OA?
- Age
- Genetics
- Sex
- Joint misalignment/deformity
What are the clinical features of OA? (5 main ones)
- Gradual onset
- Initial absence of inflammation or joint swelling
- Mono-articular at first
- Pain and stiffness with activity
- No systemic symptoms
How many stages of pain are there in OA?
3
Describe stage 1 pain of OA
Predictable, sharp pain brought on by activity
Describe stage 2 pain of OA
Pain becomes more constant; episodes of stiffness
Describe stage 3 pain of OA
Constant dull/aching pain; chronic stiffness; episodes of intense, exhausting pain
With OA, pain tends to be worse at what time of day?
What other quality might this pain have?
- Tends to be worse later afternoon/early evening
- May have a neuropathic quality
What are the joints commonly affected in OA?
- Distal interphalangeal (DIP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), joints of thumb
- Cervical and lumbar spine
- Hip, knee, meotarsophalangeal joint
What are 2 deformities seen with OA?
- Heberden’s nodes (at DIP)
- Bouchard’s nodes (at PIP)
OA is often diagnosed WITHOUT ___________ or ___ ______
radiography; lab tests
In general, OA is diagnosed if: (3)
- Persistent usage-related pain
- Age > 45 years
- Little early morning stiffness; more evening stiffness
Additional testing for OA diagnosis will be needed if there are these criteria: (3)
- Younger individuals
- Atypical signs or symptoms
- Weight loss
What are the 4 main components of OA diagnosis?
- History
- Physical exam
- Imaging
- X-ray may be helpful for diagnostic clarification or monitoring
- Does not necessarily correlate with pain - Laboratory tests
- To rule out other conditions mostly
What are the goals of OA treatment? (5)
- Focus on specific lifestyle changes
- Reduce pain
- Maintain or improve joint mobility
- Limit functional disability
- Improve self-management
What are the 4 pillars of treatment of OA?
- Patient education
- Rehabilitation
- Medications
- Referrals
- Surgical
- Non-surgical
True or False? OA can be cured
False - can only manage for the most part
In terms of patient education, what should we be telling patients about OA? (4)
- Explain nature of OA as a chronic disease process. Refer to resources
- Emphasize importance of exercise
- Emphasize importance of weight control
- Benefits, harms, costs, expectation of treatment options
What are some (4) aspects of OA rehabilitation?
- Exercise
- Relaxation, Mind/Body
- Other
- Acupuncture (meh)
- Thermal interventions - Environmental changes/aids
What are some components of exercise that should be implemented for OA rehabilitation? (5)
- Introduction of at home or structured exercise is a key initial management strat
- Range of motion, strengthening, aerobic activity
- Land-based vs. aquatic based
- What is too much?
- In general, pain in joint lasting >2 hours after exercise - Physiotherapy
What are some examples of relaxation, mind/body that can be utilized for OA rehabilitation? (4)
- Tai Chi - knee and hip OA
- Yoga - knee OA
- Balance exercises - knee and hip OA
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) - knee, hip, and hand
What are some examples of environmental changes/aids involved in OA rehabilitation? (4)
- Raised toilet seats, home or work adaptations
- Supports, splints, braces
- Canes, walkers
- Supportive footwear, shock absorbing orthotics
What are 4 characteristics/principles of medication treatment of OA?
- Drug therapy is targeted at pain relief
- Treatment should be conservative and individualized
- Begin with monotherapy prn and add/substitute medications as needed
- PO, topical, intrarticular
What are the 8 medication OA treatment options?
- Acetaminophen
- Topical NSAIDs
- Other topicals (capsaicin, a535)
- Oral NSAIDs
- Opioids (traditional and tramadol)
- Duloxetine
- Injectable joint replacement fluid
- Injectable glucocorticoids