Osteoarthritis and Crystal Arthropathies Flashcards
What is osteoarthritis?
progressive degenerative condition affecting joints due to gradual thinning of cartilage, loss of joint space and osteophyte formation
What type of collagen is cartilage made up?
collagen type 2
What happens during the OA disease process?
loss of matrix, release of cytokines and meixed metalloproteinases as well as prostaglandins by the chondrocytes
Why are osteophytes produced in OA?
fibrillation of the cartilage surface which is then attempted to be repaired resulting in osteophytes
What are the symptoms seen in OA?
grad onset; mechanical pain; crepitus on movement; stiffness (less than 30mins); bony swelling and deformity of joints; effusions and soft tissue swellings (synovial thickening)
What are the joints most commonly affected by OA?
neck; lower back; hips; base of thumb; ends of fingers; knees; base of big toe
What is seen in the hands during OA?
DP; PIP and 1st CMC joints affected. squaring of the thumb
What is a Heberden node?
bony enlargement at the DIP
What is a Bouchards node?
bony enlargement at the PIP
Where might hip pain in OA radiate to?
in the groin; knee; radiate from the lower back
Why might you get nervous pain in OA?
osteophytes in the spine may impinge on nerve root
What are the risk factors for OA?
age; female; occupation (heavy lifting etc); previous injury/joint abnormality; obesity; other underlying joint problems
What is seen on X-ray of OA?
joint space narrowing; subchondral sclerosis; bony cysts; osteophytes
What is seen on bloods in OA?
nothing- inflam markers normal
What are the non-pharma managment for OA?
education; PT; wt loss; footwear; aids