Osteoarthritis

Question 1

Define Osteoarthritis and state the pathophysiological process

Answer 1

Definition: chronic, slowly progressive disorder due to failure of articular cartilage

Pathogenesis

• There is abnormal articular cartilage due to abnormal joint componentsor excessive loading on joints
• This will develop into irreversible damage to the articular cartilage and underlying bone

↓proteoglycans, ↓collagen, chondrocyte apoptosis (cartilage)

Subchondral sclerosis due osteoblast activity (bone)

Focal superficial necrosis due to focal stress (bone)

Question 2

What are the clinical features of Osteoarthritis?

Answer 2

1. Bony growths around joints – Osteophytes
   
   • Heberden’s Nodes – DIP
   • Bouchard’s Nodes – PIP
2. Joint pain (worse with activity)
3. Joint crepitus
4. Joint stiffness after immobility
5. Limitation of joint motion

Question 3

What are the radiological findnings of Osteoarthritis?

Answer 3

1. Loss of joint space
2. Osteophytes
3. Subchondral bony sclerosis
4. Subchondral cysts

Question 4

What is the managment of Osteoarthritis?

Answer 4

Management of Osteoarthritis

1. Physiotherapy
2. Weight loss
3. Analgesia
4. Joint replacement

Question 5

Differentiate Osteoarthritis to from Rhematoid Arthtitis

Answer 5