Radiology Flashcards
1
Q
What is the clinical presentation of osteoarthritis?
A
- Decreased function; joint pain, instability, stiffness
- Pain typically worsened by activity and decreases at rest
- In later disease stages, it may become continuous
2
Q
Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of OA?
A
- articular cartilage degeneration
- bone remodelling
- osteophyte formation
- ligamentous laxity
- periarticular muscle weakness
- synovitis
3
Q
1ary vs 2ary OA?
A
1ary:
- absence of an antecedent insul
- strong genetic component with the disease primarily affecting middle-aged women
2ary:
- abnormal mechanical forces (e.g. occupational stress, obesity)
- previous joint injury
4
Q
Most common peripheral joints affected by OA?
A
Hands, knee, hip
5
Q
Risk factors for OA?
A
- Obesity
- Age
- Female sex
- Family history
6
Q
3 key radiographic features of OA?
A
- Joint space narrowing (JSN)
- Sclerosis
- Osteophytosis
If all 3 of these findings are not present, another diagnosis should be considered.
7
Q
X-ray of joint space narrowing
A
- characteristically asymmetric
- least specific: present in many other pathological processes
8
Q
what is sclerosis?
A
- Hardening of the bone just below the cartilage surface
- Sclerotic changes occur at joint margins
9
Q
What is osteophytosis?
A
- Development of osteophytes
- Bony lumps that grow on the bones around the joints
- Common degenerative disease finding
10
Q
What is synovitis?
A
- When the synovium of a joint becomes inflamed
- A non-specific finding, present also in other diseases, including inflammatory and infectious conditions
- Present in up to 50% of the patients with OA
11
Q
What investigation is most commonly used in assessment of OA?
A
Radiograph
12
Q
A
