A joint is where two or more bones meet, allowing for movement. Freely movable synovial joints like the hip, knee, elbow, and wrist contain cartilage that absorbs shock and allows for smooth movement. Common joint disorders include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and gout. Osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form, is caused by the gradual degradation of cartilage covering the bones. It leads to pain and swelling from bone rubbing. Symptoms range from mild pain to difficulty moving and intense stiffness depending on the stage. Management includes analgesics, NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, and other treatments to reduce inflammation and pain.

1. Types of Joints, structure and functions of
cartilage
 A joint is a place where the ends of two or more bones meet.
 Freely movable or Synovial - Hip joint, Knee joint, elbow
joint, wrist joint etc.
Function of a Synovial Joint - Allow smooth movement
between the bones
Function of Articular Cartilage - Absorb shock while movement
Chondrocytes - Regulate both the synthesis and degradation of
articular cartilage
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2. Types of joint disorders
 Osteoarthritis - The most common type, osteoarthritis
is the "wear-and-tear" form that increases with age.
 Rheumatoid arthritis - Autoimmune condition affect
the lining of the joints.
 Osteoporosis - Bones become fragile and more likely to
fracture.
 Gout - Excess uric acid – a waste product in the blood –
forms crystals in the joints
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3. Osteoarthritis
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The most common form of arthritis is ‘osteoarthritis’.
It is caused by the gradual degeneration of joint
cartilage, the tough material that covers and protects
the joints.
Wearing and tearing of cartilage leads to rubbing of
bones ends, which causes pain and swelling.
Prevalence of 22% to 39% in India ~ 62.35 million in
2019

4. Pathophysiology of osteoarthritis
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OA causes inflammation, changes in bone shape, and cartilage
deterioration. It is primarily a disease affecting the cartilage.
OA occurs due to a combination of factors:
• Physical stress on the body, such as general wear and
tear
• Physical changes that affect joint function, - Present
from birth or may develop due to excess weight placing
pressure on the joint or an injury
• Other risk factors, such as aging or genetics

5. Symptoms of OA
 Pain when using the joint, which may improve with rest.
 Joint stiffness, usually lasting less than 30 minutes in the morning or after resting
for a period of time.
 Joint changes that can limit joint movement.
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6. Grades of OA
Stage 0 (Pre-
OA)
Stage 1 (Early OA) Stage 2 (Mild or minimal) Stage 3 (Moderate) Stage 4 (Severe)
Asymptomatic
Mild joint pain
No serious symptoms
Pain with activity
Difficulty straightening
and bending joints
Stiffness
Frequent pain with
movement
Stiffness
Visible swelling of
the joints
High pain with
joint usage
Daily activities
very difficult
Intense stiffness
Severe swelling
and inflammation
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7. Management of OA
• Analgesics
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral
and topical (eg, diclofenac topical)
• COX-2 inhibitor combination
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Vrouwe JP, Burggraaf J, Kloppenburg M, Stuurman FE. Challenges and opportunities of pharmacological interventions for osteoarthritis: a review of current clinical trials and developments. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open. 2021 Dec

8. THANK YOU
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