Osteoarthritis Flashcards
What is osteoarthritis often described as?
‘wear and tear’ in the joints
In which type of joints does osteoarthritis occur?
synovial joints
What are the main causes of osteoarthritis?
genetics, overuse, and injury
What leads to structural issues in the joint in osteoarthritis?
imbalance between cartilage damage and chondrocyte response
List three risk factors for osteoarthritis.
- obesity
- increasing age
- occupation
Which gender is more commonly affected by osteoarthritis?
female
What are common joints affected by osteoarthritis? Name three.
- hips
- knees
- distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints in hands
What does the acronym LOSS stand for in X-Ray changes for osteoarthritis?
- L - loss of joint space
- O - osteophytes (bone spurs)
- S - subarticular sclerosis
- S - subchondral cysts
What are classic presentations of osteoarthritis?
- joint pain and stiffness worsening with activity
- deformity
- instability
- reduced joint function
What are general clinical signs of osteoarthritis?
- bulky, bony enlargement of joint
- restricted range of movement
- crepitus on movement
- effusions (fluid) around joint
What are Heberden’s nodes associated with?
DIP joints
What is the diagnosis criteria for osteoarthritis according to NICE 2022 for patients over age 45?
clinical diagnosis with typical pain associated with activity and no morning stiffness (or stiffness <30mins)
What are two non-pharmacological management strategies for osteoarthritis?
- patient education
- lifestyle changes
What is the first-line pharmacological treatment for osteoarthritis?
- topical NSAIDs
- oral NSAIDs (with PPI)
Fill in the blank: Osteoarthritis management may include _______ injections for resistant cases.
intra-articular steroid
What is a common clinical sign in the hand indicating osteoarthritis?
Bouchard’s nodes (PIP joints)
True or False: Osteoarthritis can lead to increased joint function.
False
What is a characteristic feature of the CMC joint in osteoarthritis?
squaring at base of thumb
What is a typical symptom of osteoarthritis by the end of the day?
worsening joint pain and stiffness
