•  
  •  

Classification of Osteoarthritis

Topic Overview

Osteoarthritis is a common cartilage condition and a major cause of pain and disability in older adults. Primary osteoarthritis results from changes over time often linked to things such as age, obesity, and a family history of osteoarthritis. Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by other conditions that damage cartilage.

Types of osteoarthritis
Primary osteoarthritis Secondary osteoarthritis
It is usually limited to one or a small number of joints. It may be limited to a small number of joints if injury-related, or it may be in joints throughout body if disease-related.

It is seen in spine, hips, knees, thumbs, and top two sets of finger joints.

It is seen in hips, ankles, shoulders, wrists, and the middle set of finger joints.
No specific inflammatory or metabolic condition known to be associated with arthritis is present. Conditions that cause damage to cartilage may be present, such as:
  • Inherited diseases of iron, calcium, or copper storage, such as hemochromatosis, hyperparathyroidism, or Wilson's disease.
  • Neurologic disorders that result in the loss of nerve function.
  • Congenital diseases that cause an imbalance in the joints.
  • Bone disorders that affect joints.
There is no history of specific injury or trauma. There may be a history of injury to joints, such as fractures and tears, or history of trauma to joints, such as repetitive heavy lifting or kneeling.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Revised April 8, 2011

Last Revised: April 8, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.