Saturday, May 25, 2013

Osteoarthritis - Introduction

Table of Contents

Introduction


Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis. In this disorder, a joint loses cartilage, the slippery material that cushions the ends of bones, over time.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the joint cartilage and bone, often thought to result from "wear and tear" on a joint. Joints appear swollen, are stiff and painful, and usually feel worse with increased use throughout the day.

As a result, the bone beneath the cartilage changes and develops bony overgrowth. The tissue that lines the joint can become inflamed, the ligaments can loosen, and the muscles around the joint can weaken. The patient feels pain and movement limitations when using the joint.

Osteoarthritis Click the icon to see an animation about osteoarthritis.

Joints

Joints provide flexibility, support, stability, and protection. Specific parts of the joint, the synovium and cartilage, provide these functions.

Synovium. The synovium is the tissue that lines a joint. Synovial fluid is a lubricating fluid that supplies nutrients and oxygen to cartilage.

Cartilage. The cartilage is a slippery tissue that coats the ends of the bones. Cartilage is composed of four components:

Click the icon to see an image of the synovial membrane and cartilage in the knee joint.
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Review Date: 06/16/2010
Reviewed By: Reviewed by: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)