Osteoarthritis

Definition

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones where they meet to form a joint. This leads to the bones rubbing together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion in the affected joint.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide.
2. Risk factors for osteoarthritis include age, obesity, joint injury, and genetic predisposition.
3. Symptoms of osteoarthritis often include joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
4. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it most commonly occurs in the knees, hips, hands, and spine.
5. Treatment for osteoarthritis may include pain medication, physical therapy, weight management, and in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.

Review Questions

• Explain how the breakdown of cartilage in osteoarthritis leads to inflammation and fever.
  • In osteoarthritis, the gradual breakdown and loss of cartilage causes the bones to rub together, leading to inflammation in the affected joint. This inflammation triggers the release of various inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins, which can contribute to the development of fever. The inflammatory response is the body's attempt to protect the damaged joint and initiate the healing process, but it can also cause further damage and discomfort for the individual.
• Describe the role of synovial fluid in the progression of osteoarthritis and its relationship to inflammation.
  • Synovial fluid is a key component in the healthy functioning of a joint. In osteoarthritis, the production and quality of synovial fluid may be compromised, leading to increased friction and wear within the joint. This can exacerbate the breakdown of cartilage and trigger an inflammatory response. The inflammatory mediators released can, in turn, further disrupt the production and composition of synovial fluid, creating a vicious cycle that perpetuates the joint damage and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
• Analyze how the risk factors for osteoarthritis, such as age, obesity, and joint injury, contribute to the development of inflammation and fever.
  • Advancing age is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis, as the cartilage in the joints gradually wears down over time. Older individuals are more susceptible to the inflammatory processes that accompany osteoarthritis, which can lead to the development of fever. Obesity, another major risk factor, increases the mechanical stress on the joints, accelerating cartilage breakdown and triggering inflammation. Joint injuries, such as ligament sprains or meniscal tears, can also disrupt the normal joint mechanics and cartilage integrity, setting the stage for the onset of osteoarthritis and the associated inflammatory response, which may manifest as fever. Understanding these risk factors and their relationship to the underlying pathophysiology of osteoarthritis is crucial for effective prevention and management of the condition.

Related terms

Cartilage: A firm, flexible connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint, allowing for smooth and pain-free movement.

Inflammation:

The body's immune response to injury or infection, marked by redness, swelling, heat, and pain.

Synovial Fluid: A thick, lubricating fluid produced by the synovial membrane that helps reduce friction and wear in the joint.