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Aetiology

Authoring team

Classical osteoarthritis is caused by:

  • increased load on the joint, e.g. deformities that affect the lever system around the joint

  • decreased articular area, e.g. joint incongruity or instability

  • weak cartilage, e.g. ageing, ochronosis or chronic inflammation

  • abnormal support, e.g. the fragile bone with osteonecrosis or the sclerotic bone after a periarticular fracture

Reference

Glyn-Jones S, Palmer AJ, Agricola R, et al. Osteoarthritis. Lancet. 2015 Jul 25;386(9991):376-87.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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