Virtual Medical Centre

Osteoarthritis

• What is Osteoarthritis?
• Who gets Osteoarthritis?
• Predisposing Factors
• Progression
• Probable Outcomes
• How is Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?
• How is Osteoarthritis treated?
• Osteoarthritis References
• Drugs/Products Associated with Osteoarthritis

What is Osteoarthritis?

3D Animation on Osteoarthritis This animation brought to you by Blausen Medical Communications. Contact Andrew Walbank.

3D Animation on Osteoarthritis of the Hip This animation brought to you by Blausen Medical Communications. Contact Andrew Walbank.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the leading cause of pain and disability in the community, and the most common condition leading to joint replacement surgery of the hip and knee.

It may be thought of as a degenerative joint disorder characterised by the breakdown of articular cartilage (cartilage from in between the joint surfaces which is smooth and helps absorb shock),as well as the formation of new bone. Traditionally it has been divided into primary osteoarthritis (no apparent cause), or secondary osteoarthritis (due to an underlying condition or abnormality), however, this classification is probably irrelevant as new underlying causes of primary osteoarthritis are presently being discovered. 

Who gets Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder in the world. Most people aged over 75 years show signs of OA on x-rays. Males and females are both affected, but the pattern of joints affected may vary. In women, OA more commonly affects the hands and knees, whilst in men OA commonly affects the hip joints. Severe disease is more commonly present in women.

Predisposing Factors

Osteoarthritis is thought to develop as a result of joint wear and tear. As this joint damage takes many years to develop, age is the main risk factor. A family history of OA increases risk as well.

Risk factors which may be changed or prevented include joint injury (especially meniscal or cruciate ligament tears), obesity and occupational overuse of a joint.

Progression

Symptoms tend to increase slowly over a period of time, sometimes disappearing for months at a time. There is stiffness and reduced movement of the joint. In long standing cases of osteoarthritis the patient may feel instability in the affected joint.