RT Book, Section
A1 Misher, Anne
A2 Sutton, S. Scott
SR Print(0)
ID 1179735586
T1 Osteoarthritis
T2 McGraw Hill’s NAPLEX® Review Guide, 4e
YR 2020
FD 2020
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9781264258062
LK accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1179735586
RD 2024/04/25
AB Osteoarthritis  (OA)  is  a  joint  disease  arising  from  different  pathophysiological  causes  with  manifestations  of  joint  damage,  mechanical  stress,  and  loss  of  articular  cartilage.  A  normal  joint  is  composed  of  subchondral  bone  covered  by  a  thin  layer  of  articular  cartilage.  The  interarticular  space  separates  the  adjoining  subchondral  bone  and  is  cushioned  with  synovial  fluid.  Articular  cartilage  allows  frictionless  movement  and  uniform  load  distribution.  Muscles,  ligaments,  and  tendons  surround  the  joint  providing  strength,  maintaining  stability,  and  absorbing  load.  However,  there  are  several  physiologic  changes  that  lead  to  a  weakened  joint,  instability  with  loss  of  dexterity,  development  of  pain,  and  decreased  mobility.  Weight-bearing  joints  such  as  the  knee  and  hip  are  mainly  affected  in  OA;  however,  joints  of  the  hand,  foot,  lumbar,  and  cervical  spine  may  also  be  involved.