Rheum Flashcards
(124 cards)
Define osteoarthritis
Non-inflammatory degenerative disorder of the synovial joints characterised by loss of articular cartilage and new bone formation
Why does prevalence of osteoarthritis increase with age?
Cumulative effect of trauma and decrease in neuromuscular function
Give 7 risk factors for osteoarthritis
- Age
- Trauma
- Joint hyper-mobility
- Other joint conditions - RA
- Genetic factors
- Obesity
- Occupation - heavy manual/sports
Which cells maintain cartilage?
Chondrocytes
Where are chondrocytes embedded?
Extracellular matrix containing:
Type 2 collagen
Proteoglycans (hyaluronic acid etc.)
How are chondrocytes involved in the pathogenesis of OA?
Articular cartilage damage triggers chondrocytes to decrease proteoglycan production and increase type 1 collagen production.
How is the extracellular matrix affected by the increase in type 1 collagen?
less elastic, chondrocytes undergo apoptosis
What happens when chondrocytes undergo apoptosis/
cartilage weakens and flakes off into the joint space - joint mice
What triggers synovitis?
- Synovial Type 1 cells attempt to remove joint mice
2. Macrophages and lymphocytes release pro-inflammatory cytokines
What is fibrillation of the articular cartilage?
flaking off
What happens as a result of the synovitis and fibrillation?
- Eburnation of exposed bone due to friction
- Subchondral cysts in sclerotic bone
- Attempts to reform articular cartilage - calcifies and forms osteophytes.
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How is OA treated?
- Physio and weight loss
- Analgesia (NSAIDs)
- Intra-articular steroids
- Intra-articular hyaluronic acid
- Replacement arthroplasty
Which knee deformity can happen as a result of OA in the medial compartment of the knee?
Genu varus (bow legged)
What classical findings on XR for OA?
LOSS
- Loss of joint space
- Osteophytes
- Subchondral sclerosis
- Subchondral cysts
Which inflammatory marker is more likely to be raised in OA?
CRP
What conditions can predispose to spinal OA?
disc prolapse or degeneration
What conditions can be caused as a result of spinal OA?
Spondylolisthesis
Spinal stenosis
What is spondylolisthesis?
Displacement of one vertebrae over the other (usually L5-S1)
Which joints of the hand are commonly affected in OA?
DIPJ
PIPJ
Carpometacarpal joints
What is the surgical treatment of OA?
Fusion
Joint replacement
Osteotomy Bone shortening
Arthroscopy for loose bodies
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What does the fibrous joint capsule extend to become?
Periosteum