Arthrosis
Definition
- Arthrosis = a non-inflammatory degenerative condition involving one or more joints
throughout the body associated with aging
- If inflammation occurs in the joints, it’s called arthritis
- Arthrosis is also called osteo-arthritis (even though inflammation is not necessary)
Epidemiology
- Age > 60 years
- It occurs in 10% of men and 13% of women aged 60 years or older —> this will likely
increase due to the aging of the population
- Women > men —> more likely to have it but also more severe
Causes and risk factors
The pathogenesis of arthrosis involves:
- A degradation of cartilage and remodeling of bone due to an active response of
chondrocytes in the articulate cartilage and the inflammatory cells in the surrounding
tissues
o Chondrocytes = cells found in cartilage that produce and maintain the
cartilaginous matrix
- The release of enzymes from these cells break down the collagen and proteoglycans,
destroying the articular cartilage
- The exposure of underlying subchondral bone results in sclerosis, followed by reactive
remodelling changes that lead to the formation of osteophytes and subchondral bone
cysts
o Osteophytes = a smooth bony lump that grows on the bones of the spine or
around the joints
- The joint space is progressively lost over time
Figure 1: Schematic view of the main strucures of a healthy (left) and degenerative (right) joint. Source: Aigner, T., Schmitz,
N., & Salter, D. (2015). 175 – Pathogenesis and pathology of osteoarthritis
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Definition
- Arthrosis = a non-inflammatory degenerative condition involving one or more joints
throughout the body associated with aging
- If inflammation occurs in the joints, it’s called arthritis
- Arthrosis is also called osteo-arthritis (even though inflammation is not necessary)
Epidemiology
- Age > 60 years
- It occurs in 10% of men and 13% of women aged 60 years or older —> this will likely
increase due to the aging of the population
- Women > men —> more likely to have it but also more severe
Causes and risk factors
The pathogenesis of arthrosis involves:
- A degradation of cartilage and remodeling of bone due to an active response of
chondrocytes in the articulate cartilage and the inflammatory cells in the surrounding
tissues
o Chondrocytes = cells found in cartilage that produce and maintain the
cartilaginous matrix
- The release of enzymes from these cells break down the collagen and proteoglycans,
destroying the articular cartilage
- The exposure of underlying subchondral bone results in sclerosis, followed by reactive
remodelling changes that lead to the formation of osteophytes and subchondral bone
cysts
o Osteophytes = a smooth bony lump that grows on the bones of the spine or
around the joints
- The joint space is progressively lost over time
Figure 1: Schematic view of the main strucures of a healthy (left) and degenerative (right) joint. Source: Aigner, T., Schmitz,
N., & Salter, D. (2015). 175 – Pathogenesis and pathology of osteoarthritis
@MyMedicalPulse 1
