Rheumatology: Osteoarthritis

Question 1

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

Pain with use, improved with rest; Stiffness; Relative preservation of function; Rarely significant symptoms before age 40; Lack of systemic symptoms

Question 2

What are the signs of osteoarthritis?

Answer 2

Localized joint tenderness; Bony enlargement; Crepitance; Restricted movement; Variable swelling and/or instability

Question 3

What are the typical findings of synovial fluid analysis in osteoarthritis?

Answer 3

Type I fluid, with 200-2000 WBCs; 25% polymorphonuclear leukocytes; normal viscosity; Negative crystal exam; Normal Glucose

Question 4

What are the typical X-ray features of osteoarthritis?

Answer 4

“Gull wing” changes in the interphalangeal joints; Medial compartment disease of the knee; Horizontal osteophytes of the spine; Hallux valgus (bunion deformity of the great toe) without other metatarsal disease

Question 5

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis?

Answer 5

Advanced age is one of the strongest risk factors; 100% over age 40 have pathologic changes upon autopsy,