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complications of osteoarthritis

overview

most people find osteoarthritis to be a nuisance that eventually becomes significant enough to affect their daily activities. and sometimes there are more serious complications.

possible complications of osteoarthritis include:

  • rapid, complete breakdown of cartilage resulting in loose tissue material in the joint (chondrolysis).
  • bone death (osteonecrosis).
  • stress fractures (hairline crack in the bone that develops gradually in response to repeated injury or stress).
  • bleeding inside the joint.
  • infection in the joint.
  • deterioration or rupture of the tendons and ligaments around the joint, leading to loss of stability.
  • pinched nerve (in osteoarthritis of the spine).

related information

credits

current as of: july 17, 2023

author: healthwise staff
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