Osteoarthritis Overview and Causes

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Questions and Answers

What types of joints are primarily affected by osteoarthritis?

Weight-bearing and those affected by autoimmune responses

Only those in the upper body

Weight-bearing and those subjected to repetitive motions (correct)

Synovial and cartilaginous joints

Which characteristic distinguishes osteoarthritis from rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the elderly

Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint replacement surgery

Osteoarthritis is not inflammatory in nature (correct)

Osteoarthritis has chronic inflammation in joints

What is a common outcome of osteoarthritis in terms of patient mobility?

Diminished quality of life due to pain (correct)

Ability to walk long distances

Sudden onset of joint pain

Complete loss of joint function

Which of the following is NOT a common treatment option for osteoarthritis?

Antiviral medications Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic tools are typically utilized for osteoarthritis?

Radiographic imaging and physical examination Signup and view all the answers

Which finding is expected in radiographic imaging of osteoarthritis?

Joint space narrowing and osteophytes Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk factor for developing osteoarthritis?

Mechanical stress from obesity Signup and view all the answers

What is a known secondary effect of corticosteroids in the treatment of osteoarthritis?

Decreased bone density Signup and view all the answers

Which type of arthritis has a specific age onset range of 3-6 years?

Juvenile arthritis Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading cause of joint replacement surgery?

Osteoarthritis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary first-line treatment for osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates Signup and view all the answers

Which group is at the highest risk for developing osteoporosis?

Asian women undergoing menopause Signup and view all the answers

What lifestyle factor is NOT associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis?

Regular weight-bearing exercise Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical diagnostic approach for fibromyalgia?

Ruling out other conditions Signup and view all the answers

In fibromyalgia, which symptom is considered dominating?

Fatigue Signup and view all the answers

Which medication is commonly used to treat pain associated with fibromyalgia?

Gabapentin Signup and view all the answers

What is a common ocular manifestation seen in ankylosing spondylitis?

Uveitis Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic is predominantly affected by ankylosing spondylitis?

Young male adults Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of estrogen decrease during menopause on osteoporosis risk?

It increases the risk of fractures Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of fibromyalgia diagnosed following diagnostic measures?

Presence of chronic pain in tender points Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic symptom of uveitis?

Photophobia Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT typically associated with inflammatory back pain?

Pain that is consistent throughout the day Signup and view all the answers

What is a common pharmacologic treatment for uveitis?

Corticosteroids Signup and view all the answers

Which test is NOT useful for confirming a diagnosis of gout?

Normal serum uric acid levels Signup and view all the answers

In ankylosing spondylitis, which demographic feature is most commonly noted?

Usually starts in males aged 20-30 Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is indicative of chronic gout?

Presence of large tophi Signup and view all the answers

What is the major mechanism causing hyperuricemia in most gout cases?

Renal under-excretion of uric acid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is commonly used as long-term management for gout?

Allopurinol Signup and view all the answers

What complication is commonly associated with uveitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

Increased intraocular pressure Signup and view all the answers

During an acute gout attack, which laboratory finding is likely to be observed?

Increased PMN's in synovial fluid Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Osteoarthritis

Typically affects weight-bearing joints and those experiencing repetitive motions
Characterized by progressive loss of articular cartilage and bone remodeling
Most common type of arthritis, especially in elderly patients
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, unlike osteoarthritis, which is not
Other types of arthritis include gout and psoriatic arthritis

Osteoarthritis Causes

Progressive loss of articular cartilage
Inflammatory and autoimmune responses of chondrocytes in the articular cartilage, causing degradation of cartilage and bone remodeling
Leads to developing osteophytes (bone spurs)
Inflammation in surrounding tissue
Release of enzymes that break down collagen and proteoglycans (important components of cartilage)
Contributing factors include age, obesity, and joint injury

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Joint pain, often worse with activity and improving with rest
Stiffness, especially after inactivity.
Joint swelling
Limited range of motion
Discomfort in weight-bearing joints and during repetitive motions

Osteoarthritis, Pathophysiology

Involves degradation of cartilage and bone remodeling due to an active response of chondrocytes in the articular cartilage
Initial appearance of cartilaginous bone spurs (osteophytes)
Cartilage degradation results in changes in consistency
Inflammatory cells release enzymes, degrading collagen, and destroying articular cartilage

Osteoarthritis, Diagnosis and Treatment

Primarily based on physical exam and patient history, rather than specific tests
Imaging (radiographs) might reveal joint space narrowing, osteophytes, and subchondral bone cysts
Treatment focuses on pain management, and minimizing further cartilage damage
Physical therapy, weight reduction, and bracing are often helpful.

Additional Considerations

Increased prevalence with age
Disability, decreased quality of life in older patients
Leading cause of joint replacement surgery
Can occur before age 50

Additional Joint Types of Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis
Gout (caused by elevated uric acid levels)
Psoriatic Arthritis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (inflammation of spine)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) (autoimmune)

Spine

Cervical and lumbar spine frequently show degenerative disk disease, common in those over 45 years of age.
Can be asymptomatic.
Can induce pain in the neck, head, and down the arm, with weakness or paresthesia due to nerve compression from osteophytes.

Diagnostic Imaging

Typically shows osteophytes (reduction of joint space), joint space narrowing, sclerosis of subchondral bone, and cysts.
Radionuclide bone scans and MRIs are not usually needed for diagnosis

Treatment

Non-pharmacologic methods, such as weight reduction, physical therapy, and orthotics (braces).
Pharmacologic medications may include analgesics (acetaminophen) and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Viscosupplementation, steroid injections, or surgery may be necessary.

Osteoporosis

Decreased bone density, often due to aging and prolonged periods of inactivity
Elevated risk of fractures, especially hip, wrist, and spine fractures.
Contributing factors include hormonal changes (e.g. menopause) and decreased physical activity.

Gout

Inflammatory arthritis, usually related to high uric acid levels in the blood
Characterized by sudden, painful episodes of swelling and inflammation in joints. The big toe joint is most common.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine and often other joints
Usually involves stiffness in the spine, back pain, and often progresses to fusing of the spine's bones over time.

Fibromyalgia

Chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and other symptoms
It is not a disorder of the joints, but one of the nerve's response to pain.
Diagnosis is based on patient history and physical exam.

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Description

This quiz provides an overview of osteoarthritis, including its causes, symptoms, and distinctions from other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis. It explores the mechanisms behind cartilage degeneration and the role of inflammation in joint pain. Perfect for anyone looking to understand this common condition.