Post-traumatic Arthritis

Definition/Description

Traumatic arthritis is a curable form of arthritis. [2] It does not necessarily lasts forever. There is an inflammation of the joint, which is a part of the body’s reaction to injury. [3] Traumatic arthritis is sometimes considered a secondary osteoarthritis

Clinically Relevant Anatomy 

Trauma can cause damage to the articular cartilage. Because of this, the cartilage is weakened and cannot withstand the stress. The articular cartilage layer begins to break down. [1]

Epidemiology /Etiology 

The cartilage can be bruised when too much pressure is exerted on it. This damages the cartilage, although if you look at the surface it may not appear to be any different. The injury to the material doesn't show up until months later. Sometimes the cartilage surface is damaged even more severely and pieces of the cartilage are ripped from the bone. These pieces do not heal back and usually must be removed from the joint surgically. If not, they may float around in the joint causing the joint to catch and be painful. These fragments of cartilage may also do more damage to the joint surface. Once this cartilage is ripped away, it does not normally grow back. Unlike bone, holes in the surface are not simply replaced by the cartilage tissue around the hole. Instead the defects are filled with scar tissue. The scar tissue that forms is not nearly as good a material for covering joint surfaces as the cartilage it replaces. [6]

Characteristics/Clinical Presentation 

There are several symptoms that can indicate a case of traumatic arthritis. Most accepted symptoms are: - swelling of the joint
        - pain in the joint
        - intolerance to weight baring activities. [4]
        - joint instability
A diagnose of traumatic arthritis can be considered, even more when this condition develops at an early age. [5]

Diagnostic Procedures 

Symptoms include swelling, pain, tenderness, joint instability, and internal bleeding. [6]

Physical Therapy Management 

Conservative treatment measures includes modifying the patient’s activities and unloading the joint with crutches or walker. Also, supplemental glucosamine, anti-inflammatory medicaments, pain medications may help. Physical therapy to regain motion and strength and coordination is often helpful. Weight loss in the overweight patient is important.

Resources 

- Pubmed
- Web of Knowledge
- Pedro

Clinical Bottom Line

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References

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,Lynn Leemans