Stages of OA Flashcards
Stages of OA
Stage 1: Early
Stage 2: Mild/intermediate
Stage 3: Moderate/advanced
Stage 4: Severe
Stage 1: Early
May begin to lose some of the cartilage between your joints. However, the space between your joints wouldn’t be getting smaller at this point. You may start to develop bone spurs, which are growths on the ends of the bones.
Minor wear and tear of joints, Little to no pain, and Bone spurs may be present.
Pain and tenderness localised around the AC joint, especially during overhead activities or when bringing the arm across the chest. Mild swelling may be present. Minimal changes visible on X-rays
Stage 2: intermediate
During stage two of OA, bone spurs grow and become painful. The space between joints may begin to narrow a little. Enzymes can begin to break down the cartilage.
Pain and stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity
Bone spurs may be more noticeable
Increased pain and stiffness in the joint. Decreased range of motion in the shoulder. X-rays may show joint space narrowing and early osteophyte formation.
Stage 3: Moderate
Stage three of OA is considered moderate, and the cartilage between the bones begins to show signs of wear. The space between joints becomes visibly narrower. More bone spurs may develop and they can enlarge
Moderate Cartilage begins to erode, Joint becomes inflamed, and Discomfort during normal activities.
Significant pain, often affecting sleep and daily activities. Further reduction in shoulder mobility. X-rays reveal severe joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and possible cyst formation. The AC joint may appear more prominent due to osteophyte development.
Stage 4: Severe
Severe pain and significant limitation of shoulder function. Possible complete loss of cartilage in the joint. X-rays show extensive joint degeneration, large osteophytes, and potential joint deformity.
Almost all cartilage has worn away
Chronic inflammation
Constant pain and stiffness
Reduced joint space
Joint instability
Muscle weakness
Bone spurs
Joint deformity
