Osteoarthritis Flashcards
what is OA characterised as?
joint destruction as cartilage loss
-the rate of degeneration and destruction of the cartilage exceeds its rate of repair and regeneration
what type of tissue is involed in OA?
articular cartilage and bone
describe the risk factors for OA
Sex- males are more likely to be affected than females
Age- risk increases with age
Weight- increases with BMI
Joint abnormalities
what happens when the cartilage becomes worn?
the underlying bone remodels & the joint space reduces due to cartilage loss
describe somesymptomsof OA
- 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
what are osteophytes?
small spurs of new bone can develop around the edges of bone
what may be the causes of pain in OA?
Increasing pain is likely to develop due to changes in:
- Joint capsule
- Subchondral bone
- Ligaments
- Synovium
- Muscles atrophy around joint
what are the properties of cartilage?
- Flexible
- Shock absorption
- Reduces friction
- Cartilage has no blood supply or pain endings
- Protects underlying bone surface
name the 3 types of cartilage
- Hyaline
- Fibrocartilage
- Elastic cartilage
what are the key components that make up cartilage?
- 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.
what are chondrocytes?
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.
what does the extracellular matrix consist of?
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.
