Osteoarthritis

Question 1

what is OA characterised as?

Answer 1

joint destruction as cartilage loss

-the rate of degeneration and destruction of the cartilage exceeds its rate of repair and regeneration

Question 2

what type of tissue is involed in OA?

Answer 2

articular cartilage and bone

Question 3

describe the risk factors for OA

Answer 3

Sex- males are more likely to be affected than females
Age- risk increases with age
Weight- increases with BMI
Joint abnormalities

Question 4

what happens when the cartilage becomes worn?

Answer 4

the underlying bone remodels & the joint space reduces due to cartilage loss

Question 5

describe somesymptomsof OA

Answer 5

• Pain on use of the joint
• Pain relieved with rest
• Pain, stiffness, enlargement of affected joint due to new bone formation so limited joint ROM and deformity
• Crepitus (cracking of joints) & grinding can occur when the joint is moved
• Muscle atrophy

Question 6

what are osteophytes?

Answer 6

small spurs of new bone can develop around the edges of bone

Question 7

what may be the causes of pain in OA?

Answer 7

Increasing pain is likely to develop due to changes in:

• Joint capsule
• Subchondral bone
• Ligaments
• Synovium
• Muscles atrophy around joint

Question 8

what are the properties of cartilage?

Answer 8

• Flexible
• Shock absorption
• Reduces friction
• Cartilage has no blood supply or pain endings
• Protects underlying bone surface

Question 9

name the 3 types of cartilage

Answer 9

1. Hyaline
2. Fibrocartilage
3. Elastic cartilage

Question 10

what are the key components that make up cartilage?

Answer 10

• Chondrocytes
• Extracellular matrix: a non-cellular component that provides support
• Perichondrium: a dense layer of connective tissue that surrounds most types of cartilage, providing nutrients and support.

Question 11

what are chondrocytes and where are they loacted?

Answer 11

They are a component of cartilage
They are the cells that produce and maintain the cartilage matrix. They are located in small spaces called lacunae.

Question 12

what does the extracellular matrix consist of?

Answer 12

Collagen fibres- provide strength and structure
Elastic fibres- present in elastic cartilage, they add elasticity
Ground substance- a gel-like material made of proteoglycans and water, which helps resist compression.