Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis–Hypothesis: Change of cell
morphology in osteoarthritis articular cartilage
in osteoarthritis
[click on image to enlarge]
Joints are composites of bone and cartilage. Osteoarthritis is degenerative disease of a joint. The skeletal system functions as a scaffold for our muscles to move against gravity. Bones form the structural support and are necessarily hard and unforgiving. Cartilage functions as a shock absorber. Cartilage is more resilient than bone, but it is vulnerable to wear and tear.
Once damaged it does not heal. In response to cartilage wear, sometimes extra bone grows. This process of cartilage wear and extra bone growth is osteoarthritis. The osteoarthritis modified joint functions less efficiently than it did previously, and as a consequence often aches. Aching joints are the reason patients seek medical attention.
Osteoarthritis is a very common problem. It is by far the most common of all forms of arthritis. 80% of eighty year olds have evidence of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect all joints of the body, although some joints such as the knees, hips and hand joints are more often affected then others. Osteoarthritis risk factors include both environmental and hereditary factors. Baseball pitchers get osteoarthritis in their shoulders from repeated trauma. Obesity leads to increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. Identical twins often have identical arthritis of their hands.
The physicians of New York University School of Medicine/ Hospital for Joint Diseases are expert at diagnosing and treating osteoarthritis. Many non-surgical strategies are available to facilitate joint health. The strengthening of joint supporting muscles is often a mainstay of osteoarthritis therapy, as is the prudent use of anti-inflammatory and pain medication. The therapeutic goal is to improve joint function and patient well-being. While a definitive cure for osteoarthritis is not yet available, researchers at New York University School of Medicine/ Hospital for Joint Diseases are actively studying osteoarthritis, hoping their discoveries will lead towards a cure.
For more information call:
Center for Arthritis and Autoimmunity: 212-598-6516;
or the Seligman Center for Advanced Therapeutics: 646-356-9400.