Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Academic Term
7-2018
Document Type
Project
Course Number
5330-OL1
Course Name
Nursing
Professor’s Name
Dr. John Chovan, PhD., DNP, RN, CNP, CNS
Keywords
Age Related Disorders, Knee Arthritis, Hip Arthritis, Pain Relief
Subject Categories
Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common age-related disorder of synovial joints that is classified as a noninflammatory joint disease that affects over 45% of Americans. In order to diagnose and treat the disease, the understanding of the pathophysiology behind the disease is necessary. Knee OA is a disease of cartilage and when that begins to breakdown collagens and proteoglycans are lost causing fibrillation, erosion, and cracking to the joint. This initially appears in the superficial layer of cartilage and progress over time to deeper layers, resulting eventually in large clinically observable erosions causing the disease. Treatments can range from over the counter medications such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen to a couple surgical options that are available. One of the most important parts in treatment of OA, besides pain control, is maintaining the patients quality of life.
Recommended Citation
Stevens, Maureen A., "Knee Osteoarthritis" (2018). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 300.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/300