Osteoarthritis Epidemiology

Solution Preview

Hi,

Let's take a closer look at information from various sources, which you can draw on your final copy.

RESPONSE:

1. Summarize and current hypothesis, or casual theories or ideas proposed to explain the distributions by person, place, and time in literature, on the web, or ideas you have about why something might be true---for ex., if you find a gender difference, why might that be?

Osteoarthritis (OA) , the most common form of arthritis, is a chronic disease that causes deterioration of the joint cartilage and formation of reactive new bone at the margins and subchondral areas of the joints. This degeneration results from a breakdown of chondrocytes, most commonly in the distal interphalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, but also in the hip and knee joints. Osteoarthritis is widespread, occurring equally in both sexes. Its earliest symptoms typically begin after age 40 and may progress with advancing age.

Disability depends on the site and severity of involvement and can range from minor limitation of the dexterity of the fingers to severe disability in persons with hip or knee involvement. The rate of progression varies, and joints may remain stable for years in an early stage of deterioration.

Causes and incidence

Studies indicate that osteoarthritis is acquired and probably results from a combination of metabolic, genetic, chemical, and mechanical factors. Secondary osteoarthritis usually follows an identifiable predisposing event ? most commonly trauma, congenital deformity, or obesity ? and leads to degenerative changes.

Osteoarthritis may first appear between ages 30 and 40, and is present in almost everyone by age 70. Before age 55, it affects men and women equally, but after age 55 the incidence is higher in women. http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/o/osteoarthritis/book-diseases-7c.htm
Why do more women get it after 55? It could be caused by menopause and changes in hormones and bone loss. Need for further research.

Primary osteoarthritis is strongly associated with aging, and indeed aging may predispose to the cartilage degeneration common in persons with osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis Causes

The causes of osteoarthritis are varied.

? Endocrine: People with diabetes may be prone to osteoarthritis. Other endocrine problems also may promote development, including acromegaly, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and obesity.
? Posttraumatic: Traumatic causes can be further divided into macrotrauma or microtrauma. An example of macrotrauma is an injury to the joint such as a bone break causing the bones to line up improperly (malalignment), lose stability, or damage cartilage. Microtrauma may occur over time (chronically). An example of this would be repetitive ...