Osteoarthritis Flashcards

1
Q

Definition of osteoarthritis

A
  • ‘Wear and tear’ in the joints
  • Non-inflammatory condition
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2
Q

Risk factors for OA

A
  • Obesity
  • Increasing age
  • Occupation (manual workers)
  • Trauma
  • Female sex
  • FHx
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3
Q

X-ray changes in OA (remember LOSS)

A
  • Loss of joint space
  • Osteophytes
  • Subarticular sclerosis (increased density of bone along joint line)
  • Subchondral cysts (fluid filled holes in the bone)

NB - X-ray changes do not necessarily correlate with symptoms

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4
Q

Presentation of OA

A
  • Joint pain (worsened by activity)
  • Stiffness (worsened by activity)
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5
Q

Commonly affected joints in OA

A
  • Hips
  • Knees
  • SAcro0iliac joints
  • DIPs
  • MCP at the base of the thumb
  • Wrist
  • Cervical spine
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6
Q

Diagnosis of OA

A
  • Diagnosis can be made clinically if patient is over 45 and has typical activity related pain with no morning stiffness or stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes
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7
Q

Management of OA

A
  • Patient education (weight loss)
  • Physiotherapy (improve strength and support joint)
  • Stepwise analgesia
    • Paracetamol and topical NSAIDs or topical capsaicin
    • Oral NSAIDs with PPI cover
    • Opiates such as codiene and morphine
  • Intra-articular steroid injection for temporary reduction in inflammation
  • Joint replacement in severe cases
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