Osteoarthritis

Question 1

What is osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

Mechanical - wear & tear
localised loss of cartilage
remodelling of adjacent bone
associated inflammation

Question 2

What are the presenting features of OA?

Answer 2

• Pain following use, improves with rest
• Unilateral symptoms
• No systemic upset

Question 3

What are the X-Ray features of OA?

Answer 3

LOSS
Loss of joint space
Osteophytes
Subchondral sclerosis
Subchondral cysts

Question 4

What investigations are done when OA is suspected of a joint?

Answer 4

• X-Ray

* Bloods RF to rule out/in rheumatology

Question 5

What is the management of OA?

Answer 5

Conservative:
>Weight loss
>Walking aids

Medical
>Analgesia ladder
>Steroid injections

Surgical
>Arthroplasty (joint replacement)
>Resurfacing