Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis may be referred to as arthritis or osteoarthrosis. It is classified as being primary or secondary. Primary osteoarthritis is due to natural wear and tear with ageing or there may even be hereditary factors involved. Secondary (traumatic) osteoarthritis is due to damage from trauma. Any joint may be involved but primary weight bearing joints are more susceptible to secondary osteoarthritis. Both types begin with erosion of the articular cartilage and synovial lining of the joint capsule. The loss of articular cartilage is progressive and is accompanied by new bone formation. Progressive cartilage destruction may eventually lead to surface friction and complete exposure of bone to bone. Any joint may be affected but the hip, knee, spine and fingers are the most common sites. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and joint stiffness although in some cases joint stiffness may be painless. Deformity and swelling could also be evident

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition and in some cases conservative treatment does not relieve joint pain and stiffness and reconstructive surgery is required. This is achieved by either arthroplasty or arthrodesis. Arthroplasty is creating an artificial joint. Arthrodesis is surgical fusion of a joint. Joints such as the hip and knee are best served with arthroplasty as it allows near normal joint motion whereas arthrodesis of these joints would result in considerable loss of joint movement and disability. Joints such as the fingers and toes are more likely to be treated by arthrodesis but this depends on the age and circumstances of the individual