The diagnosis of osteoarthritis

Abstract

In the past osteoarthritis (OA) has been considered a predominately degenerative joint disease, affecting more people than any other arthritis. However, it is now realised that the problem is not simply a degenerative cartilage disorder, but a problem of all the tissues involved in maintaining joint stability - the functional joint unit. It is characterised by progressive loss of cartilage and bony margin overgrowth. In addition, there is no doubt that inflammation and synovitis are present in a significant percentage of patients, and indeed, a more aggressive form, erosive osteoarthritis may occur, associated with significant synovitis, and may be confused with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.