Osteoarthritis

Question 1

What is the definition of osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

Degenerative joint disorder in which there is a progressive loss of articular cartilage accompanied by new bone formation and capsular fibrosis

Question 2

What are the risk factors for osteoarthritis?

Answer 2

Increased age, female, obesity, trauma and joint malalignment

Question 3

How does osteoarthritis present?

Answer 3

Hip, knee and spine pain provoked by movement and weight-bearing
Intermittent at first, may become constant

Question 4

What are the investigations for osteoarthritis?

Answer 4

X-ray - joint space narrowing, subarticular sclerosis, bone cysts, osteophytes
Usually a clinical diagnosis

Question 5

What is the management for osteoarthritis?

Answer 5

Non-drug therapy - strengthening and range of movement exercises, weight loss
Pharmacological - regular paracetamol, NSAIDs short term, intra-articular corticosteroids
Surgery - if all else fails, joint replacement