This is a degenerative non-inflammatory disease that results in pain and restricted movement of affected joints. OSTEOARTHRITIS is the more appropriate name but less commonly used. In it’s early stages,it’s often asymptomatic. Articular cartilage gradually becomes thinner because it’s renewal does not keep pace with it’s breakdown. Eventually the bony articular surfaces come into contact and the bones begin to degenerate. Bone repair is abnormal and the articular surfaces become misshapen. This is often the reason for reduced mobility if the joint. Chronic inflammation develops with effusion(collection of fluid) into the joint,possibly due to irritation caused by tissue debris not removed by phagocytes. Sometimes there is abnormal growth of cartilage at the edges of bones that becomes ossified,forming osteophytes.
The risk factors include excessive repetitive use of the affected joints,female gender,increasing age,obesity and heredity.
Secondary osteoarthritis occurs when the joint is already affected by disease or abnormality,eg.trauma. Also develops in the late middle age and affects large weight-bearing joints,eg. the hips,knees and joints of the cervical and lower lumbar spine. In many cases only one joint is involved.
