Leg/Knee Case 10 Background

Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease in the U.S.; it is particularly prevalent after age 40 and in African American females. OA is a slowly progressive degenerative and inflammatory disease of the entire joint, that ultimately leads to cartilage loss and osteophyte formation. The most commonly affected joints are the hands, knees, spine, and hips. Risk factors include obesity, trauma (both repetitive and acute), increasing age, and joint infection.