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Osteoarthritis Updated 4/2010

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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Pathophysiology
  • Etiology
  • Associated Conditions

DIAGNOSIS

  • Signs and Symptoms
  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis
  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Interventional
  • Rehabilitation
  • Mental Health/Behavioral
  • Surgery
  • Special Therapy

Follow-up

  • Prognosis
  • Complications
  • Patient Monitoring
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS
Description

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by progressive loss of articular cartilage due to reactive changes at joint margins and in subchondral bone.

Epidemiology
Incidence

In the United States, 33% to 90% of people over 65 have OA, based on radiographic evidence.

Prevalence
  • Approximately 60 million patients at any given time
  • The prevalence is equal across gender.
  • Age:
    • –Predominantly found in patients over 40 years of age.
    • –Leading cause of disability over age 65
Risk Factors
  • Age over 50
  • Obesity
  • Prolonged occupational and sports stress
  • Injury to a joint
Genetics

Some genetic studies suggest susceptibility genes on chromosomes 2,4,7,11,16, especially for hand and hip OA.

Pathophysiology
  • Increased synthesis and activation of extracellular proteinases, mainly matrix metalloproteinases ...

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See Also
Images >
FIG. 108.1. Degenerative joint disease of the knee. Large areas of erosion of articular cartilage are present on the patellar facet and on the condyles of the femur. These erosions occupy principally the central portions of the joint surfaces and spare the marginal regions. The cartilage at the eroded edges is fi illated. The irregular elevations at the periphery of the surfaces are osteophytes.Credit: William J. Koopman, Larry W. Moreland, Arthritis and Allied Conditions A Textbook of Rheumatology, 15e. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005.
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