Osteoarthritis

Question 1

What occurs in osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

Gradual thinning of cartilage with loss of joint space and formation of bony spurs

Question 2

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Answer 2

Mechanical pain (worse on activity)
Crepitus on movement
Stiffness
Effusions
Loss of function

Question 3

Name some joints commonly affected by osteoarthritis

Answer 3

Neck
Lower back
Hips
Fingers
Knees

Question 4

What are the clinical features of hand osteoarthritis?

Answer 4

Bony enlargements at DIPs and PIPs

Squaring of thumb

Question 5

What are the clinical features of knee osteoarthritis?

Answer 5

Genu varus and valgus deformities

Bakers cyst

Question 6

What are the clinical features of hip osteoarthritis?

Answer 6

Pain in groin that may radiate to knee
Pain in hip radiating from lower back
Restricted hip movements

Question 7

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis?

Answer 7

>40
Female
Genetics
Occupation
Previous injury

Question 8

What may be seen on an osteoarthritic X-ray?

Answer 8

Joint space narrowing
Subchondral sclerosis
Bony cysts
Osteophytes

Question 9

How is osteoarthritis managed non-pharmalogically?

Answer 9

Physiotherapy to improve muscle strength
Weight loss
Aids (walking stick

Question 10

How is osteoarthritis managed pharmacologically?

Answer 10

Analgesics
NSAIDs
Pain modulators

Question 11

When is surgery indicated in osteoarthritis?

Answer 11

When patients have constant pain