What happens to the joint in osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the commonest form of arthritis. Most affected is the knee joint. It is a degenerative disease in which “wear-and-tear” happens. Age more than 50 years are more likely to get this disease, but nowadays even young people are presenting with this disease.
There is a protective tissue between the bones that help in smooth movements of the bones. Degradation causes cartilage damage and hampers the smooth movement of the bones. After complete degeneration of the cartilage, the bone-ends start rubbing against each other causing severe pain and spurring of the bones.
This disease develops gradually and with degeneration, the pain worsens.
How to diagnose osteoarthritis?
- X-ray (radiograph): X-ray of the knee taken in the standing position, helps in cartilage damage assessment.
- Computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan): This radiological modality gives a better perception of the damage than X-ray alone.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Skeletal structures, blood vessels, and tissues can be visualized properly with this technique.
- Arthroscopy: This procedure which is minimal access shows the inside of the knee joint and also does procedures to correct the errors. This procedure requires anesthesia.
What is joint preservation?
It is a novel treatment modality that emphasizes pain relief using biological mechanisms.
