Inflammation (OA) is also called degenerative joint disease, is caused by persistent inflammatory response and inflammatory cytokines progressive decomposition of one or more of the joint and cartilage damage. Between the ages of 55 and 74 is as high as 70% of americans, this is the most common form of arthritis, is a prominent cause of disability and pain in the elderly. As the population ages, the incidence of OA is expected to increase to bring extra burden medical system.
Articular cartilage by water as substrate (65% ~ 80%), mixed with collagen, cartilage cells (cartilage cells) and proteoglycans (composed of chondroitin, keratin sulfate and other material). Due to aging or trauma, joint proteoglycan loss will happen. In addition, with the growth of the age, to provide joint lubrication and nutrition of the synovial fluid are also reduced, resulting in OA.
Start with disease progression, cartilage erosion, promote bone spur, calcification, fissure, the happening of the ulcer. Inflammatory cytokines have accelerated the damage, further thinning of the cartilage and degeneration. In addition, loose bone and cartilage fragment began to "float" within the affected joints. Finally complete decomposition, cartilage intra-articular without any buffer. Produced in the process of pain and stiffness, can eventually reduce the range of movement, and lead to package joint muscle atrophy.
Based on the cause of disease progression, OA were classified as primary OA and contributed to OA. Primary OA is not caused by disease or injury, mainly because of genetic changes and aging, and smoking, and obesity. Promote sex OA is mainly due to traumatic joint injuries and other musculoskeletal diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis.
OA can occur in any joint, but some of the joints is often easier to disease, such as the weight-bearing joints, such as hip, knee, cervical vertebra, lumbar spine, the most commonly affected, may be because the body is under stress for a long time, weight and use throughout the year. In addition, the proximal and distal knuckles are also often affected.