Radiology Cases Osteoarthrosis

Description: (Osteoarthrosis, degenerative joint disease DJD and Osteoarthritis OA are synonyms)
There are pathological processes that will destroy articular cartilage, but eventually it will degrade on its own, especially if the mechanical stress is increased by overactivity, recurrent impact trauma or obesity. Some unfortunates either acquire or inherit more susceptible articular cartilage than the average.
Osteoarthrosis is visible in the X-ray as loss of articular cartilage which narrows the (load-bearing) joint. The capsular ligaments, being fibrous, do not shorten and this permits movement. Eventually the bone will respond to the instability with osteophytes that appear to extend the margins of the joints in an attempt to broaden the articular surface. Joint margins will become sclerotic with bone reaction, especially when there is little or no articular cartilage. The synovial fluid pressure will force extension of the joint to form sub-articular cysts.