Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (or arthrosis) is caused by destruction of the synovium by wear and tear. Contributing factors include congenital hip luxation, obesity, osteoporosis, and diseases such as Perthes' disease . The main symptoms are pain and restricted movement.The diagnosis is made on the basis of the history, restricted movement and X-rays of the joint.
The joints mainly affected by osteoarthritis are the hip joints and the knee joints, although in theory any joint in the body can be affected.
Treatment is with NSAIDs or paracetamol, or joint replacement surgery in patients who would otherwise be mobile and do not benefit from medication. Recently glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate have been shown to improve symptoms of osteoarthritis.