Rheumatology

Question 1

what is osteoarthritis

Answer 1

chronic degenerative condition —- resulting from a loss of cartilage in joint spaces and development of osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis and subchondral cysts

Question 2

what are risk factors for OA

Answer 2

advancing age
female gender
obesity
fam Hx
joint deformity
repeated trauma
mechanical occupation

Question 3

how would OA typically present

Answer 3

Hx
pain of affected joint
reduced ROM
bony growths

PE
bony growths —- eg. bouchard’s nodes (PIP), heberden nodes (DIP)
crepitus
reduced ROM

Question 4

what x-ray findings would u expect in OA

Answer 4

LOSS
L: loss of joint space
O: osteophyte formation
S: subchondral sclerosis
S: subchondral cysts

Question 5

what is the management of OA

Answer 5

primary prevention: maintain a normal BMI

conservative Tx
physio — low weight bearing exercises to maintain mobility & ROM
OT — mobility aids & adaptive eq (eg. appropriate footwear)
patient education — weight loss

medical Tx
analgesia acc to WHO pain ladder

surgical Tx
total joint replacement