Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis
Introduction
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease process affecting synovial joints, particularly large weight-bearing joints. OA is particularly common in older patients but can occur in younger patients either through a genetic mechanism or, more commonly, because of previous joint trauma.
Pathophysiology
Joints can be classified as synovial, fibrous, or combination joints, based on the presence or absence of a synovial membrane and the amount of motion that occurs in the joint. Normal synovial joints allow a significant amount of motion along their extremely smooth articular surface. These joints are composed of a synovial membrane, articular or hyaline cartilage, subchondral bone, synovial fluid, and a joint capsule. Read more…
