Osteoarthritis

Question 1

What is Osteoarthritis?

Answer 1

A non-inflammatory condition of ‘wear and tear’

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone.

Question 2

What are the risk factors for Osteoarthritis?

Answer 2

Being elderly, female, obese, genetics, overuse, injury

These factors contribute to the likelihood of developing Osteoarthritis.

Question 3

What are the X-Ray changes associated with Osteoarthritis?

Answer 3

Loss of joint space, osteophytes, subchondral cysts, subarticular
sclerosis

These changes reflect the structural damage that occurs in Osteoarthritis.

Question 4

What joints are commonly affected by Osteoarthritis?

Answer 4

Hips, knees, DIPs, MCPs, Cervical spine, Wrist, Sacroiliac joints

These joints are frequently involved due to their weight-bearing and mobility functions.

Question 5

What signs may be seen in hands affected by Osteoarthritis?

Answer 5

Heberden’s nodes (DIP), Bouchard’s nodes (PIP), weak grip, reduced range of motion

These signs indicate joint changes and functional decline in hand use.

Question 6

What is the stepwise management of Osteoarthritis?

Answer 6

Help with weight loss, advice, muscle strengthening exercises initially, then oral paracetamol and topical NSAIDs and topical Capsaicin, then oral NSAID and PPI, then opiates and codeine

This management approach escalates based on the severity of symptoms and response to treatment.