Osteoarthritis (OA): Clinical findings

 • Stimulation of joint nociceptors in subchondral bone -> Pain with loading / use of joint

 • Disruption of normal joint architecture -> Palpable bony hypertrophy (ex. Bouchard's nodes)

 • Lack of cartilage means direct contact between bony processes with movement of the joint -> Crepitus

 • Impaction of osteophyte with normal joint structures during movement, Joint movement with reduced lubrication stimulates joint nociceptors -> Pain with motion, Decr range of motion

 • Dysregulation of proteolytic enzymes, joint fluid production -> Joint effusion



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