Osteoarthritis

Question 1

what are the biomechanical factors in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

> abnormal anatomy
> meniscal injury
> intraarticular fracture
> ligament rupture
> persistant physical activity
> obesity

Question 2

what does inflammation in the joint cause?

Answer 2

> joint effusion
synovial hypertrophy
subchondral changes

Question 3

how would you diagnose osteoarthritis?

Answer 3

> more than 45 yrs old

> activity related joint pain (no morning related stiffness lasting more than 30 mins)

Question 4

what would the differential diagnosis be in someone presenting with what could be osteoarthritis?

Answer 4

> gout
other inflammatory arthritis
septic arthritis
malignancy

Question 5

describe the NICE guidelines of the management of osteoarthritis

Answer 5

1. holistic approach and self management
2. information exercise and weight loss
3. additional treatment options ;non-pharmacological, pharmacological and surgical

Question 6

describe the holistic assessment of osteoarthritis

Answer 6

> pain assessment
> social effects
> occupation
> mood
> sleep quality
> support network
> influence of comorbidity

Question 7

what are the non-pharmacological options for treatment?

Answer 7

> thermotherapy
electrotherapy
aids and devices
manual therapy

Question 8

what are the pharmacological treatment options?

Answer 8

> NSAIDS
capsaicin
oral analgesics

Question 9

what are the surgical options for treatment?

Answer 9

joint replacement

Question 10

when may surgical treatment for OA be needed?

Answer 10

if there is an impact on the quality of life and is non surgical is not working

Question 11

before surgical referral what is needed?

Answer 11

plain xray of joint

bloods to exclude rheumatoid