skeletal conditions

Question 1

what is osteoporosis and management of it

Answer 1

• Decreased bone density (increase in bone resorption/ breakdown compared to bone deposition)
• The main concern is the increased risk of fractures
• Decreased bone density is a natural part of the aging process, but risk factors include: sex (increased risk in females), things that increase stress on bones, smoking, decreased activity (muscle use), decreased calcium and vitamin D, certain types of drugs, family history, certain other metabolic conditions eg. Cushing syndrome

management
- reduce falls risk

Question 2

what is arthritis

Answer 2

• damage and inflammation within joints

- stiffness in joints

Question 3

what is gout (a type of arthritis)

Answer 3

• deposition of uric acid crystals within joint/ joint tissues
• Uric acid is a by-product of purine- in adenine and guanine (DNA and RNA)
• Deposition of uric acid occurs due to hyperuricaemia (increase uric acid in the blood) due to increased purine intake and/or decreased uric acid excretion
• Uric acid crystals damage the joint tissues between bones which leads to inflammation, pain and phagocytosis (neutrophils). The neutrophils ingest the crystals and die and then release the crystals which leads to further tissue damage
• Occurs in attacks
• Can progress with repeated attacks to more permanent joint damage
• Most commonly occurs in the big toe and phalange joints

Question 4

what is osteoarthritis (type of arthritis)

Answer 4

• Degenerative condition/ overworn joints ?? but also inflammatory response component to driving the tissue damage
• Progressive damage to joint over time
• Increased risk with: age, increased mechanical stress, inflammatory responses, joint injury, genetics
• erosion/ breakdown of articular cartilage which exposes the bone surface, pieces of the cartilage can break off causes microdamage in bones which leads to abnormal bony growths
• Synovial membrane damage
• Inflammation in joint and tissue damage

All of this leads to:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Mobility

Question 5

what is treatment for arthritis

Answer 5

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Application of heat or cold
• Pain management
• Lifestyle modifications
• Surgery- joint replacement