A resident at a nursing facility states that she experiences pain that occurs with walking and subsides with rest. Upon admission, the 78 year-old presented with bone overgrowth in her knees and fingers. The physician diagnosed the woman with osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is considered one of the most globally prevalent rheumatoid disorders (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 2014a). This specific type of arthritis is an asymmetric, metabolic disorder of the synovial joints and articular cartilage. According to Porth (2015), clients diagnosed with osteoarthritis will manifest symptoms such as restricted range of motion along with pain, and a possible disfigurement in the affected joints (p. 1128).
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The most commonly found etiology is the inability to adapt to physical force applied to a joint. Although osteoarthritis is not a systemic disorder, joint degeneration is frequently located on both sides of the body due to bilateral mechanical force. However, it is possible for OA to affect only one joint. With excess external stress on joints, the cells of the articular cartilage release chemical mediators that stimulate protease enzymes to break down that particular joint. The release of the protease enzymes causes the protective cartilage to be destroyed, leading to small cracks or abnormal osteophytes in the underlying bone (Porth, 2015, p. 1129). When microfractures and spurs are added to a bone, the patient will present with articular aching and inflexibility in the affected joint but little to no inflammation.
Case Study Question
The most commonly found etiology is the inability to adapt to physical force applied to a joint. Although osteoarthritis is not a systemic disorder, joint degeneration is frequently located on both sides of the body due to bilateral mechanical force. However, it is possible for OA to affect only one joint. With excess external stress on joints, the cells of the articular cartilage release chemical mediators that stimulate protease enzymes to break down that particular joint. The release of the protease enzymes causes the protective cartilage to be destroyed, leading to small cracks or abnormal osteophytes in the underlying bone (Porth, 2015, p. 1129). When microfractures and spurs are added to a bone, the patient will present with articular aching and inflexibility in the affected joint but little to no inflammation.
Case Study Question