Osteoarthritis (oA)

Exam Cram

Outline

Background 

Diagnosis

Diagnostic criteria:  clinical diagnosis, XR can be helpful but not required

History:

Examination:

Ix

• XR signs (LOSS mnemonic)

  • • Loss of joint space (weight bearing areas)

    • Osteophyte formation

    • Subchondral cysts

    • Subcondral sclerosis

Differentials

• Inflammatory arthritis, particularly rheumatoid

• Septic arthritis and other hot swollen joint differentials

Management

Currently no medical Dmards.

1. Lifestyle: aiming to reduce load on arthritic joints,

Physio, 

Occupational therapy, 

Exercise regime, 

Podiatry.

2. Medical (Analgesia):

   1. 1. PO paracetamol, Prn topical NSAIDs, topical capsaicin,

      2. Short courses of PO NSAIDs +/- PPI cover,

      3. Caution with opioids.

3. Interventional:

   1. 1. Joint replacement (Orthopedics).

References

Page written in 2024.