osteoarthritis

Question 1

sequence of osteoarthritis

Answer 1

1.) initial cartilage damage
2.) cartilage degradation
3.) subchondral bone changes
4.) osetophyte formation
5.) synovial inflammation
6.) advanced joint damage

Question 2

explain initial cartilage damage

Answer 2

-Process begins with minor changes to articular cartilage which covers the ends of bones in joint.

-Often through normal age-related changes

Question 3

Explain cartilage degradation

Answer 3

• over time cartilage continues break down and loses its smooth, frictionless surface.
• leads to exposure of underlying subchrondral bone

Question 4

explain subchondral bone changes

Answer 4

• the exposed subchondral bone becomes thicker and denser (sclerosis )

-Eburnation can also occur where the bone becomes smooth and ivory-like

Question 5

Explain osteophyte formation

Answer 5

• bone spurs (osteophytes) form around the joint margins as a response to the increased stress on bone.

Question 6

Synovial inflammation

Answer 6

the synovium which lines the joint can become inflamed

contributes to pain and swelling

Question 7

Advanced joint damage

Answer 7

in the later stages the joit space narrows significantly

joint may become deformed resulting in significiant loss of function