Degenerative Joint Disease
Degenerative Joint Disease, unlike an isolated chondral defect, involves the entire joint although it may start locally as a chondral defect. Over time, the cartilage defect enlarges and is worn down to the underlying bone. Increased pressure on the bone causes it to remodel and become stiffer and harder. Osteophytes (bone spurs) form and the joint capsule becomes thicker and inflamed. The end result is a permanent dysfunction of the joint.
This degenerative process is complex with a combination of abnormal mechanical forces and destructive enzymes. There still are a number of unknown questions regarding the rate of progression, but what is known is that once the degenerative process is initiated it is difficult to stop. That is the reason why it is so important to prevent or halt this negative cycle before painful symptoms significantly restrict your level of activity and hamper your quality of life. With end stage osteoarthritis, your only course of treatment then becomes a total joint replacement.
