Osteoarthritis (OA) is a clinical syndrome of joint pain accompanied by varying degrees of functional limitation and reduced quality of life

Pathophysiology:

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the result of mechanical and biological events that destabilise the normal process of degradation and synthesis of articular cartilage chondrocytes, extracellular matrix, and subchondral bone.

It involves the entire joint, including the articular cartilage, subchondral bone, pericapsular muscles, capsule, and synovium.

The condition leads to loss of cartilage, sclerosis and eburnation of the subchondral bone, osteophytes, and subchondral cysts.

• Mnemonic for pathophysiology of OA - FUSSO

Risk factors:

• Age > 50
• Female
• Obesity
• Genetic factors
• Knee malalignment
• Physically demanding occupation/sports.
• Post trauma/injury

PC

*presence of risk factors

Commonly involved joints - Knee, hip, hand, spine involvement