Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the (synovial) joints, characterized by breakdown of articular cartilage and proliferative changes of surrounding bones. Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is found in 70% of the population over 60 years of age. Radiological evidence of Osteoarthritis can be found in over 90 % of the population. Osteoarthritis may cause functional loss, reduction in activities of daily living and most important cause of disability in old age. Those at risk include ; Elderly people (> 65 years old), Men> Women, Obese, Familial history, Trauma (daily).
Osteoarthritis could be primarily prevented by;Regular exercises, Weight control, Prevention of trauma.
PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT
Oral Systemic Medical Agents
– Analgesics (acetaminophen)
– NSAIDs
– Opioid analgesics
Intraarticular agents:
-Hyaluronan
-Glucocorticoids (effusion)