Osteoporosis and Arthritis Flashcards
What is osteoporosis?
Where does it commonly occur?
Osteoporosis is a chronic progressive bone disease in which bone resorption is faster than bone deposition characterised by:
- Low bone mass/density
- Structural deterioration of bone tissue
- Increased bone fragility
It commonly occurs in the spine, hips and wrists
What factors influence the development of osteoporosis?
Nutrition
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Supplementation of fluoride, calcium, and vitamin D can be preventative
Exercise
- Regular weight-bearing exercise can help prevent it
Heredity
Hormone function
- Low testosterone in men
- Post menopause
- Some drugs can affect it
What are some symptoms of osteoporosis?
Back pain with no apparent injury
Spontaneous fractures
Gradual loss of height
When should bone screening be done?
Before 65 for women
- Earlier and more frequently if higher risk
Before 70 for men
- By age 50 if at higher risk
What is the management strategy for osteoporosis?
Proper nutrition
Exercise
Prevention of fractures
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
- Get out in the sun for vitamin D synthesis
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
What is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic, autoimmune disease characterised by the inflammation of connective tissue in synovial joints
It is of unknown cause but may be related to genetics and environmental triggers
What are the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis?
Are the joint symptoms usually unilateral or symmetrical?
Outside the joints
- Fatigue
- Anorexia
- Weightloss
- Generalised stiffness
At the joints (More often smaller joints)
- Joint pain and/or stiffness
- Limitation of motion
- Signs of inflammation
Symptoms occur symmetrically
What diagnostic studies can be used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
Lab studies
- Rheumatoid factor
- C-reactive protein
- Antinuclear antibody
- Anticitrullinated protein antibody
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Synovial fluid analysis
X-rays of affected joints
Bone scan
What are management strategies for rheumatoid arthritis?
Balancing rest and activity
Joint protection
Heat and cold applications depend on what’s most comfortable
Exercise
Patient and caregiver teaching
Steroid therapy
NSAIDS
Immunosuppressants
What is osteoarthritis?
Is it an age-related condition?
Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive non-inflammatory disorder of diarthrodial joints characterised by the damage and wear and tear of joint cartilage over time
It is not necessarily an age-related condition as cartilage damage begins between ages 20-30, but symptoms only manifest between ages 50-60
What are some symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Mobility difficulties
Joint stiffness after prolonged periods of not moving
Crepitation - Joint crackling
Deformity
- Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes in the fingers
- Red, swollen and tender
Can be asymmetrical
What diagnostic studies can diagnose osteoarthritis?
Bone scan
CT scan
MRI
X-rays
- Detecting joint space narrowing
Synovial fluid analysis
