UWF5 Lumbar Vertebra Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, the inflammation of a joint. This disease is characterized by destruction of the articular cartilage in a joint and bony lipping or spur formation (osteophytes) around the edges of a joint. Osteoarthritis occurs along with aging and is often seen in the hip, spine, or knees. Primary osteoarthritis results from a combination of factors such as age, sex, hormones, mechanical stress, and genetic predisposition. Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by trauma or by bacteria invading the joint. Eburnation, the result of subchondral bone being exposed when cartilage is destroyed, is another characteristic often found in bones affected by osteoarthritis. Eburnation causes the bone to look shiny and polished.