Osteoarthritis

Question 1

What is osteoarthritis? (3)

Answer 1

Non-inflammatory joint pain caused by
imbalance in cartilage destruction by wear
and production by chondrocytes

Question 2

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis? (5)

Answer 2

Age
Female
Occupation (manual labour, farming, sport)
Genetics
Obesity (low-grade inflammatory state)

Question 3

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis? (4)

Answer 3

Sharp ache/ burning pain (WORSE w ACTIVITY)
Morning/ end of day stiffness (< 30mins)
NSAIDs don’t usually help
Functional impairment: walking, activities of daily living

Question 4

What are the signs of osteoarthritis? (3)

Answer 4

Asymmetric joint pain
Bony swelling: Bouchard’s (PIP), Heberden’s (DIP)
Alteration in gait

Question 5

How would you investigate osteoarthritis and what would you see? (5)

Answer 5

X-ray: LOSS
Loss of joint space
Osteophytes
Subchondral sclerosis
Subchondral cysts

Question 6

How would you manage osteoarthritis non-pharmacologically? (4)

Answer 6

Weight loss
Exercise
Physical therapy
Walking aids

Question 7

How would you manage osteoarthritis pharmacologically? (3)

Answer 7

Analgesic ladder
NSAIDs/ opioids
Hyaluronic acid injections (if other pain relievers don’t work)

Question 8

How would you manage osteoarthritis surgically?

Answer 8

Joint replacement - hips, knees