Osteoarthritis

Question 1

remember that arthritis occurs in your

Answer 1

joints

Question 2

tear, flare and repair

Answer 2

trauma and mechanical imbalance

inflammation and pain

repair processes around the joint

Question 3

RFs

Answer 3

abnormal anatomy (DDH)

intra-articular fracture

ligament rupture

meniscal tear

occupation

persistent physical activity

obesity

Question 4

what joints are usually involved in OA?

Answer 4

thumb (OA of the base of the thumb)

hip

knee

spine

(larger joints that have endured wear and tear)

Question 5

LOSS for osteoarthritis

what you would see on an X-ray

Answer 5

Loss of joint space

Osteophytes

subchondral cysts

subchondral sclerosis

Question 6

morning stiffness in RA vs OA

Answer 6

with OA - should be stiff for no longer than 30 mins

RA can be over 40

Question 7

how would you investigate OA?

Answer 7

X-ray

MRI to see the extent of it

bloods to rule out RA (like ESR and CRP present would suggest its an inflammatory condition- therefore not OA)

Question 8

how do you manage OA?

Answer 8

holistic approach and self management

weight loss and exercise

thermotherapy/ electrotherapy

analgesia (paracetamol, NSAIDs, topical treatments)

steroid injections

surgical when the impact on QoL is great (joint replacement surgery)