Etymed
osteoarthritis
Definition
inflammatory condition affecting the joints, characterized by degeneration of joint cartilage and underlying bone
Clinical context
A 65-year-old woman presents with progressive knee pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. She reports stiffness in her knees in the morning that lasts less than 30 minutes. Physical examination reveals joint tenderness and crepitus on range of motion. X-rays show narrowing of the joint space and osteophyte formation. These findings are consistent with degenerative joint disease affecting cartilage and underlying bone.
Mnemonic
DEG-EN-ERATION: D-E-G-E-N-E-R-A-T-I-O-N = Degeneration of cartilage and bone in Osteoarthritis