Definition of Osteoarthritis & Joints affected

Definition: Osteoarthritis is the chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints; the most common form of arthritis occurring usually after middle age

Joints Affected:

• Weight-bearing joints are the joints which are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis.
• Weight-bearing joints, such as knees, hips, and the spine are most commonly affected, though osteoarthritis can also affect fingers or any joint with prior traumatic injury, infection, or inflammation.
• Bony nodes and knobs on fingers(e.g. Heberden's or Bouchard's nodes are a sign of damage from osteoarthritis.
• Most osteoarthritis patients have increased joint pain during activity, which is relieved with rest
  

An osteoarthritic knee wiht patella removed

Diagram showing common joints affected