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Osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joint space. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a slow and progressive form of degenerative arthritis, that is seen most commonly in the elderly. Joints that have been previously injured (fracture), or subject to chronic stress (obese patient) can also develop degenerative changes in the younger patient. The joints are lined with a material known as cartilage, which provides a smooth surface over which the joint can "glide" without difficulty. Degenerative arthritis causes destruction of the cartilage, predominantly in the weight bearing (high stress) joints of the body. The main joints affected by DJD are the hands, hips, knees, cervical (neck) spine, and the lower back. Almost all patients over the age of 60 have some degree of DJD in one or more of these locations. Common symptoms and the appearance of degenerative arthritis include a long history (over years) of episodic joint pain with occasional mild swelling to the joints. DJD does not necessarily produce the remarkable joint swelling, warmth, and tenderness as that of septic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Overweight patients tend to have more low back, hip, and knee problems. Cervical DJD will commonly result in progressive neck pain and stiffness. More advanced cases can result in impingement (compression) of exiting nerve roots, giving rise to numbness, tingling, or weakness to the upper (or lower) extremities.
Evaluation will include a history and physical examination. X-rays of the involved joints will show characteristic changes associated with DJD. Blood tests to exclude the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis may be performed. Magnetic resonance scanning of the neck or back will be performed in cases where nerve root compression is suspected. Treatment includes aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen) for acute attacks and long term symptomatic management. In cases of obesity, weight reduction should be considered part of the treatment. Physical therapy to strengthen muscles can take stress off the joints and will have a dramatic effect on decreasing the arthritic pain (and progression of the disease). Artificial joint replacement has been used successfully for advanced disease in the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and joints of the hand and wrist. The Orthopaedic Surgeon is expert in the management of this common problem. Cases involving nerve compression will require referral to a Neurosurgeon.
Hope this article will provide you information about osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease.
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