11.6 · Joint disorders: Osteoarthritis

Arthritis

Joint inflammation; a collective term for over 100 musculoskeletal conditions all sharing joint inflammation

Osteoarthritis

Age-related disorder of synovial joints, typically 50-60 years old

Osteoarthritis characteristics

Local loss of articular cartilage, new bone formation at joint margins, subchondral bone changes, synovitis, and thickening of the joint capsule

Osteoarthritis common sites

Hands, hips, or spine

Primary change in osteoarthritis

Loss of articular cartilage of weight-bearing joints

Osteophytes

New bone formation at joint margins

Osteoarthritis cysts

Exposed articular bone becomes eroded and hardened and may develop cysts filled with fluid, fibrous, or fatty material

Synovitis

Inflamed synovial membrane, often caused by loose bone and cartilage fragments

Osteoarthritis clinical manifestations

Pain in one or more heavily used load-bearing joints, joint stiffness, joint enlargement and deformity, and limited range of motion

Osteoarthritis stiffness pattern

Usually only in the first few minutes of use; uncommon to persist after 30 minutes

Cause of joint enlargement in osteoarthritis

Bone enlargement around the joint

Joint effusion

Increased volume of synovial fluid from inflammatory exudate or blood entering the joint cavity

Osteoarthritis movement sounds

Creaking or grating