Osteoarthritis (OA) is also known as degenerative joint disease, osteoarthrosis, and hypertrophic osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects both the cartilage and bony surface of joints. The most common joints affected are:

• The vertebral
• Knee
• Hip
• Metatarsals (feet bones)
• and Metacarpals (hand bones)
  

Osteoarthritis causes an alteration in the consistency of the cartilage, causing it to become less spongy and hard. This cause wears on the bony surface, which then becomes hypertrophic (increases growth).

This overgrowth of bone results in osteophytes, or bone spurs which impinge on the surrounding soft tissues. Overtime the joint becomes stiff, does not absorb shock, and the space in between the joint narrows. In healthy joints, this space is occupied by synovial fluid. This viscid lubricating fluid acts like the oil in the hinge which reduces friction. In Osteoarthritis the synovial fluid is altered and amounts are decreased, resulting in more damage to the hard surfaces in the joint.

Osteoarthritis is considered a disease of aging. It is primarily a “wear and tear” disease from a lifetime of use, and in many cases, overuse.

There are no predispositions to the development of Osteoarthritis. There are, however, many preventative measures that can prolong its onset. There is a subset of Osteoarthritis, due to secondary causes such as genetic abnormalities, trauma, and inflammatory diseases (gout, rheumatoid arthritis).

Individuals with these conditions will be predisposed to developing the disease earlier than the “wear and tear” group.

Osteoarthritis affects both men and women. Onset is usually earlier in men than women. It is found in all races, even in animals. It is the most common disorder of joints. Incidence of Osteoarthritis begins in the 20’s and 30’s and by the age of 40 almost every person shows some signs of the disease in one joint. By the seventh or eight decade Osteoarthritis is extremely common.

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