OSTEOARTHRITIS

APPLIED MEDICINE
BY: Dr. Kinza Iftikhar
OVERVIEW:
 Osteoarthritis is a joint inflammation that
results from cartilage degeneration.
 It is the most common form of arthritis.
  It occurs when the protective cartilage on the
ends of bones wears down over time.
 Osteoarthritis can damage any joint in body, the
disorder most commonly affects joints in hands,
knees, hips and spine.
 Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and
other treatments may slow progression of the
disease and help improve pain and joint
function.
CAUSES OF OSTEOARTHRITIS:
 Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage
that cushions the ends of bones in joints
gradually damage. Cartilage is a firm,
slippery tissue that permits nearly
frictionless joint motion.
 In osteoarthritis, the slick surface of the
cartilage becomes rough. Eventually, if
the cartilage wears down completely,
Patient may be left with bone rubbing on
bone.
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS:
 Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen
over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
 Pain: Joint may hurt during or after movement.
 Tenderness: Joint may feel tender when apply light
pressure to it.
 Stiffness: Joint stiffness may be most noticeable when
wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
 Loss of flexibility: Patient may not be able to move joint
through its full range of motion.
 Grating sensation: Patient may hear or feel a grating
sensation when he use the joint.
 Bone spurs. These extra bits of bone, which feel like
hard lumps, may form around the affected joint.
RISK FACTORS:
 Older age. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age.
 Sex. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis
 Obesity. Carrying extra body weight contributes to osteoarthritis in
several ways, and the more weigh, the greater risk. Increased
weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints, such as hips and
knees.
 Joint injuries. Injuries, such as those that occur when playing
sports or from an accident, may increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
 Certain occupations. If People job includes tasks that place
repetitive stress on a particular joint, that joint may eventually
develop osteoarthritis.
 Genetics. Some people inherit a tendency to develop
osteoarthritis.
 Bone deformities. Some people are born with malformed joints or
defective cartilage, which can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
TEST AND INVESTIGATIONS:
 X-rays. Cartilage doesn't show up on X-ray images, but
cartilage loss is revealed by a narrowing of the space
between the bones in joint. An X-ray may also show bone
spurs around a joint.
 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses radio
waves and a strong magnetic field to produce detailed
images of bone and soft tissues, including cartilage. An
MRI isn't commonly needed to diagnose osteoarthritis but
may help provide more information in complex cases.
 Joint fluid analysis: Doctor may use a needle to draw
fluid out of the affected joint. Examining and testing the
fluid from joint can determine if there's inflammation
and if pain is caused by gout or an infection.
TREATMENT:
 MEDICATIONS:
  Acetaminophen( analgesics- pain reliever)
(Tylenol, paracetamol) has been shown to be
effective for people with osteoarthritis who
have mild to moderate pain. Taking more than
the recommended dosage of acetaminophen
can cause liver damage.
 No steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs): including ibuprofen (Advil)  Stronger
NSAIDs, available by prescription, may also
slightly reduce inflammation along with
relieving pain.
TREATMENT:
 Therapy
 Physical therapy. A physical therapist can
work with patient to create an individualized
exercise program that will strengthen the
muscles around joint, increase range of
motion and reduce pain.
 Occupational therapy. An occupational
therapist can help patient discover ways to
do everyday tasks or do job without putting
extra stress on already painful joint.
SURGICAL AND OTHER
PROCEDURES:
 Cortisone injections. Injections of
corticosteroid medications may relieve pain
in joint. During this procedure doctor numbs
the area around joint, then places a needle
into the space within joint and injects
medication. The number of cortisone
injections can receive each year is generally
limited to three or four injections, because
the medication can worsen joint damage
over time.
SURGICAL AND OTHER
PROCEDURES:
 Lubrication injections. Injections of hyaluronic
acid may offer pain relief by providing some
cushioning in knee. Hyaluronic acid is similar to a
component normally found in joint fluid.
 Joint replacement. In joint replacement surgery
(arthroplasty), surgeon removes damaged joint
surfaces and replaces them with plastic and
metal parts. Surgical risks include infections and
blood clots.