05 May 2023 BY Katrina Tarrant POSTED IN Exercise, Physiotherapy Tweet Osteoarthritis : Aging joints on film You say arthrosis, I say arthritis. X-ray and scan reports can be filled with some scary looking words to those not medically trained. Within these report notes, you may find complex, unfamiliar medical terms or phrases that make it difficult to decipher your results. Let's break a few common ones down and demonstrate that they are not as nasty as you may first think. Arthrosis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage, a protective tissue between bones. It is the most common form of arthritis. Arthrosis occurs when the cartilage gradually wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected joint. Risk factors include age, genetics, obesity, joint overuse, and previous joint injuries. While any joint can be affected, arthrosis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, are bony outgrowths that can develop in response to arthrosis or other conditions that cause joint damage. They often form at the edges of affected joints where cartilage has deteriorated. Osteophytes are the body's attempt to stabilize the joint and compensate for the lost cartilage. However, they can also contribute to pain and further joint damage by interfering with joint movement or compressing nearby structures. Cortical thickening refers to an increase in the thickness of the outer layer of bone, known as the cortical bone. It can occur as a response to various factors, including repetitive stress, inflammation, and certain medical conditions. Cortical thickening is often observed in conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, where the bone undergoes remodeling. This thickening can provide added strength and support to the affected bone, but in some cases, excessive cortical thickening can lead to structural abnormalities and compromise bone health. Exit foraminal narrowing refers to the narrowing of the exit space through which nerves exit the spinal column. It is commonly associated with degenerative changes in the spine, such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs. When the exit foramina narrow, it can compress the spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the corresponding area of the body. Bony oedema, refers to the accumulation of excess fluid within the bone marrow. It is often associated with various conditions, such as trauma, infection, or inflammation, including conditions like osteoarthritis or stress fractures. Bony edema can be seen on imaging studies and may indicate an underlying pathology. It is typically accompanied by pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. These are but a few of the big scary words that are often just there to explain the natural process of joint aging in us all. My advice when it comes to these reports? Don't be afraid to ask your friendly GP or physio to sit and take the time to explain your results better. After all, it is your joint they are busy peering at! Tweet
You say arthrosis, I say arthritis. X-ray and scan reports can be filled with some scary looking words to those not medically trained. Within these report notes, you may find complex, unfamiliar medical terms or phrases that make it difficult to decipher your results. Let's break a few common ones down and demonstrate that they are not as nasty as you may first think. Arthrosis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage, a protective tissue between bones. It is the most common form of arthritis. Arthrosis occurs when the cartilage gradually wears away, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected joint. Risk factors include age, genetics, obesity, joint overuse, and previous joint injuries. While any joint can be affected, arthrosis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, are bony outgrowths that can develop in response to arthrosis or other conditions that cause joint damage. They often form at the edges of affected joints where cartilage has deteriorated. Osteophytes are the body's attempt to stabilize the joint and compensate for the lost cartilage. However, they can also contribute to pain and further joint damage by interfering with joint movement or compressing nearby structures. Cortical thickening refers to an increase in the thickness of the outer layer of bone, known as the cortical bone. It can occur as a response to various factors, including repetitive stress, inflammation, and certain medical conditions. Cortical thickening is often observed in conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, where the bone undergoes remodeling. This thickening can provide added strength and support to the affected bone, but in some cases, excessive cortical thickening can lead to structural abnormalities and compromise bone health. Exit foraminal narrowing refers to the narrowing of the exit space through which nerves exit the spinal column. It is commonly associated with degenerative changes in the spine, such as spinal stenosis or herniated discs. When the exit foramina narrow, it can compress the spinal nerves, leading to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the corresponding area of the body. Bony oedema, refers to the accumulation of excess fluid within the bone marrow. It is often associated with various conditions, such as trauma, infection, or inflammation, including conditions like osteoarthritis or stress fractures. Bony edema can be seen on imaging studies and may indicate an underlying pathology. It is typically accompanied by pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. These are but a few of the big scary words that are often just there to explain the natural process of joint aging in us all. My advice when it comes to these reports? Don't be afraid to ask your friendly GP or physio to sit and take the time to explain your results better. After all, it is your joint they are busy peering at!
