Understanding Arthrosis: Stages and Symptoms

• This document summarizes information about arthrosis.

Arthrosis Definition

• Arthrosis is defined as the degeneration of articular cartilage down to subchondral bone lesions

Stages of Development

• Classification of arthrosis can be broken down into stages of development

Stage 1

• Reduced joint space along with increasing instability due to loose ligaments
• Reduced mobility and reflexive muscle tension
• Load-dependent mechanical pain can occur, varying in duration and intensity
• Initial pain may occur, and sometimes no pain is present

Stage 2

• Fissures in the cartilage and sclerosis of the bone under the cartilage occur
• Initial pain presents in the morning and after resting
• Capsular patterns gradually restrict movement
• Painful symptoms increase, along with pain-free phases getting shorter
• Pain occurs during movement of joints and soft tissues
• Passive and active movement causes pain in the muscles and tendons

Stage 3

• Osteophytes (bone spurs), cysts, and joint deformities occur
• Joint sounds, inflammation, and effusions are observed
• Resting, constant, and night pain is present
• Morning stiffness and contractures occur
• Pain requires constant changes in position

Causes

• Arthrosis can be caused by primary and secondary factors

Primary Arthrosis

• Idiopathic factors can cause arthrosis
• This is common in women over 50
• The cause could be genetic with inferior cartilage

Secondary Arthrosis

• Malalignment and malposition
• Joint dysplasia
• Post-traumatic events such as intra-articular fractures and ligament injuries
• Inflammatory joint diseases
• Underlying diseases such as diabetes, COPD, hemophilia, and endocrine disorders

Diagnostics

• Imaging and laboratory testing can be used to diagnose arthrosis
• X-rays
• MRI
• Laboratory analysis is indicated
• Sonography

Therapy

• Treatments for arthrosis include medication with NSAIDs, which can delay progression
• Reducing stress and movement of affected joints alleviates symptoms
• Physical therapy can improve warmth and cold, depending on symptoms
• Exercise therapy is useful for improving strength and mobility
• ADL training

Operative Procedures

• Osteotomies as prophylaxis for malpositions and axis deviations
• Autologous cartilage transplantation is an option
• Arthroscopic joint rinsing, cartilage smoothing, and cartilage transplantation may be used
• Endoprostheses
• Arthrodesis for smaller joints

Pathogenesis

• Overloading of the articular cartilage contributes to degeneration of the cartilage
• Viscoelasticity loss occurs
• Collagen fibers are exposed
• Cartilage abrasion increases, creating uneven surfaces and cleft formation
• Cartilage height decreases
• Enzymatic degradation of abrasion and thickening of the capsule occur
• Subchondral sclerosis and osteophyte formation result
• Radiolucent areas develop in the bone tissue
• The joint space narrows, reducing the area for absorbing force
• Muscle tone increases, causing joint instability, pain, and musculoskeletal imbalance

Explore arthrosis, a condition involving the degeneration of articular cartilage. This summary details the stages of arthrosis development, from initial joint instability and pain to cartilage fissures, sclerosis, and osteophyte formation. Learn about the progression of symptoms, including pain patterns and movement restrictions.