Osteoarthritis Fact Sheet
“Osteoarthritis” The Musculo-skeletal system
FACT SHEET
The term "joint" refers to the physical point of connection between two bones. There are numerous joint types throughout the body, these being ball and socket joints, hinge joints, condyloid joints, pivot joints, gliding joints, and saddle joints.
A normal joint meets the point of two bones to permit movement. Cartilage is made up of protein that covers the end of bones and aids in protecting the bones and operates as a shock absorber and allows the bones to move effortlessly. Synovial fluid is inside the joint which lubricates the joint and keeps it functioning efficiently.
Osteoarthritis has to do with the loss of articular cartilage, the development of bony spurs at the joint margin, also known as osteophytes, it involves the inflammation of the synovial membrane and alterations to the subchondral bone. The order of which the changes in the bone, synovium and cartilage are influenced on the causes for osteoarthritis, these differ in each tissues effect on surrounding tissues. The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis has subtypes including inflammatory to a varying extent, pain due to tissue damage, and pain at rest.
The bone just underneath the cartilage in the synovial joint is called subchondral bone, and is found in various areas. The subchondral bone plate is the top area. This is made up of somewhat non-porous bone with a restricted blood supply. Underneath the bone plate, is a cushioned layer of bone called trabecular bone. In a healthy individual, bone is continually altered by modelling and resorption. This permits bone to repair and adjust to changing mechanical requirements. In a handful of individuals, the structure or properties of bone are altered by genetic disorders that can lead to an earlier commencement of osteoarthritis. In most individuals, the bone alterations in osteoarthritis are seen later on in life, and the causes aren’t fully recognised. Changes that define the features of
FACT SHEET
The term "joint" refers to the physical point of connection between two bones. There are numerous joint types throughout the body, these being ball and socket joints, hinge joints, condyloid joints, pivot joints, gliding joints, and saddle joints.
A normal joint meets the point of two bones to permit movement. Cartilage is made up of protein that covers the end of bones and aids in protecting the bones and operates as a shock absorber and allows the bones to move effortlessly. Synovial fluid is inside the joint which lubricates the joint and keeps it functioning efficiently.
Osteoarthritis has to do with the loss of articular cartilage, the development of bony spurs at the joint margin, also known as osteophytes, it involves the inflammation of the synovial membrane and alterations to the subchondral bone. The order of which the changes in the bone, synovium and cartilage are influenced on the causes for osteoarthritis, these differ in each tissues effect on surrounding tissues. The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis has subtypes including inflammatory to a varying extent, pain due to tissue damage, and pain at rest.
The bone just underneath the cartilage in the synovial joint is called subchondral bone, and is found in various areas. The subchondral bone plate is the top area. This is made up of somewhat non-porous bone with a restricted blood supply. Underneath the bone plate, is a cushioned layer of bone called trabecular bone. In a healthy individual, bone is continually altered by modelling and resorption. This permits bone to repair and adjust to changing mechanical requirements. In a handful of individuals, the structure or properties of bone are altered by genetic disorders that can lead to an earlier commencement of osteoarthritis. In most individuals, the bone alterations in osteoarthritis are seen later on in life, and the causes aren’t fully recognised. Changes that define the features of
References: A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia. (2011, September 26). Osteoarthritis. Retrieved September 24, 2012, from PubMed Health: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001460/ BMJ Dr Deborah MD. (N/A). Solutions for Osteoarthritis. Retrieved September 15, 2012, from Dr Deborah MD: http://www.drdeborahmd.com/solutions-osteoarthritis Dr Foot MedicineNet. (2012). Osteoarthritis. Retrieved September 15, 2012, from MedicineNet.com: http://www.medicinenet.com/osteoarthritis/article.htm Orthopod Superhuman Physiotherapy. (2012). Osteoarthritis of the Ankle. Retrieved September 15, 2012, from Superhuman Physiotherapy: http://www.superhuman.net.au/article.php?aid=122 Swift, A