Abstract

R. Ramani* and Dr. V. Hemavathy

ABSTRACT

Degenerative joint disease is an extremely common, non inflammatory, progressive disorder of movable joints, particularly weight-bearing joints, and is characterized pathologically by deterioration of articular cartilage and by formation of new bone in the subchondral areas and at the margins of the joint.[1] It has been estimated that there are over 50 terms to describe this condition; osteoarthritis remains the most popular one and will be used interchangeably in this article, but is inaccurate as it implies an inherently inflammatory process. Other names used are hypertrophic arthritis, senescent arthritis, and osteoarthritis, but degenerative joint disease is the most accurate designation of the underlying pathologic process. The disease is more common in the elderly; indeed it appears to be an inherent part of the aging process. However, a variety of factors in addition to aging determines the pace of cartilage degeneration and the subsequent progression of the disease.