Osteoarthritis Flashcards Preview

Rheumatology > Osteoarthritis > Flashcards

Flashcards in Osteoarthritis Deck (10)
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1
Q

What is osteoarthritis?

A

loss of cartilage at synovial joints, often accompanied by degeneration of underlying bone
NB inflammation is not usually involved!

2
Q

What radiological (X-ray) features would you expect of an osteoarthritic joint?

A

Loss of joint space
Osteophytes
Subchondral cysts
Subarticular sclerosis

3
Q

What does sclerosis mean?

A

hardening or stiffening of a body tissue or organ e.g. the arteries.

4
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of localised osteoarthritis?

A

pain and crepitus on movement (worse with prolonged activity
Background ache at rest
joint stiffness lasting 10-15 mins after long periods of inactivity e.g. in the morning

5
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of generalised osteoarthritis?

A

nodal OA (typically DIP, PIP, CMC joints and knees in post menopausal females)
joint tenderness, derangement and bony swelling (Heberden’s at DIP and Bouchards and PIP)
reduced range of movement
muscle wasting
may be mild synovitis (inflammation of the synovium)
CRP and ESR usually normal

6
Q

What are some important things to consider when you are taking a history from a patient with OA?

A
How is it affecting their day to day life
occupation
family duties 
hobbies
life expectations
7
Q

outline potential Non-pharmacological management in OA

A

Exercise to strengthen the muscles around the joint and to improve general aerobic fitness
weightless if overweight can significantly improve symptoms
Physiotherapy and OT involvement
heat and cold packs
walking aids
TENS- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

8
Q

What pharmacological treatment can you give to a patient with OA?

A

Analgesia- paracetamol and topical NSAIDs
Codeine or short term oral NSAIDs (+PPI)
Topical capsaicin
Intramuscular steroid injections

9
Q

Above what age do you expect most of the OA patients to be?

A

> 60

10
Q

In OA what causes the pain?

A

Irritation of the bone surface after the cartilage has worn away.