osteoarthritis

os·te·o·ar·thri·tis

noun \ˌäs-tē-ō-är-ˈthrī-təs\

Definition of OSTEOARTHRITIS

: arthritis marked by degeneration of the cartilage and bone of joints

— os·te·o·ar·thrit·ic \-ˈthri-tik\ adjective

Origin of OSTEOARTHRITIS

New Latin

First Known Use: 1878

os·teo·ar·thri·tis

noun \ˌäs-tē-ō-är-ˈthrīt-əs\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; os·teo·ar·thrit·i·des \-ˈthrit-ə-ˌdēz\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of OSTEOARTHRITIS

: arthritis typically with onset during middle or old age that is characterized by degenerative and sometimes hypertrophic changes in the bone and cartilage of one or more joints and a progressive wearing down of apposing joint surfaces with consequent distortion of joint position and is marked symptomatically especially by pain, swelling, and stiffness—abbreviation OA; called also degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease, hypertrophic arthritis; compare rheumatoid arthritis

—os·teo·ar·thrit·ic \-ˈthrit-ik\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

osteoarthritis

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Most common joint disorder, afflicting over 80% of those who reach age 70. It does not involve excessive inflammation and may have no symptoms, especially at first. Cartilage softens and wears away, and bone grows in its place, distorting the joint's surface and causing pain, stiffness, and limited movement, usually in weight-bearing joints (vertebrae, knees, hips). Treatment may include analgesics, rest, weight loss, corticosteroids, and/or physical medicine and rehabilitation or an exercise program. Hip or knee replacement or surgical removal of unhealthy tissue may be needed.

Variants of OSTEOARTHRITIS

osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease