ABSTRACT

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease of articular (joint) cartilage, is primarily due to the breakdown of articular cartilage, resulting in pain and stiffness. OA commonly affects the joints of the hips, knees, spine, and —ngers. Other joints affected less frequently include the wrists, the elbows, the shoulders, and the ankles. Although the exact cause of OA is unknown, it has been shown that heredity factors, obesity, injury, and repeated overuse of certain joints are all risk factors. It is also known as the “wear-and-tear” kind of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is primarily an autoimmune in–ammatory disease of the synovial membrane and –uid, can also result in degeneration of articular cartilage [1].