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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and loss of mobility. It is a very common rheumatic disease and is second only to cardiovascular diseases in producing chronic disability. Osteoarthritis is not a passive phenomena as was believed until just recently, but is, in fact, an active disease with a complex underlying pathology.
Osteoarthritis or arthrosis is often described as "wear and tear" arthritis affecting the joints.
Normally, the healthy synovial joint is in a state of balance or homeostasis, and the HA in the joint space is continuously replaced. Thus, its concentration and molecular weight profile remain constant. In osteoarthritis, homeostasis is lost and the HA in the joint space becomes depolymerized and fragmented.
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The synovial fluid becomes less viscous and its lubricating, shock-absorbing and filtering abilities are reduced.
The HA coating over the surface of the joint breaks down, leaving the cartilage and synovium exposed to mechanical and inflammatory damage.
The synovium becomes inflamed. As a result, it grows more permeable to inflammatory molecules, which are therefore able to enter the joint in increased numbers.
The articular cartilage is gradually destroyed.
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Osteoarthritis is accompanied by symptoms of pain, inflammation and reduced mobility.
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