Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD): Understanding the Condition
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a condition affecting the tissues of the joint that breaks down over time, also known as osteoarthritis (OA)23. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and loss of function5. While historically considered a “wear and tear” condition, it is now recognized as a disease of the entire joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments, fat, and the synovium2. DJD can affect any joint, but it typically affects the hands, knees, hips, lower back, and neck23. More than 50% of adults over the age of 65 are affected by degenerative joint disease5.
Symptoms of Degenerative Joint Disease
Symptoms of DJD tend to develop slowly over time2. They include:
- Pain or aching in a joint during or after activity, or at the end of the day2. The pain may improve with rest, but in later stages, it may be worse at night3.
- Joint stiffness, usually lasting less than 30 minutes, in the morning or after resting23. Subtle development of morning stiffness1.
- Limited range of motion that may improve after movement2. Restriction of motion1.
- Clicking or popping sound when a joint bends2. Crepitus with motion1.
- Swelling around a joint2. Joint effusions1.
- Muscle weakness around the joint2.
- Joint instability or buckling2. Unstable joints1.
- Deformed joints5. Deformity1.
- Loss of flexibility5.
DJD may affect different parts of the body in different ways2:
- Hips: Pain in the groin area or buttocks, and sometimes on the inside of the knee or thigh2. Pain1. Stiffness1. Limited range of motion1. Limping1.
- Knees: A “grating” or “scraping” feeling when moving the knee23. Signs and symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion, limping, crepitation, and deformity. No relationship exists between premature arthrosis and activity levels1.
- Fingers: Bony growths (spurs) at the edge of joints can cause fingers to become swollen, tender, and red, sometimes with pain at the base of the thumb2. Pain, swelling, limited range of motion, Heberden’s nodes, and Bouchard’s nodes1.
- Feet: Pain and tenderness in the big toe, with possible swelling in the ankles or toes2.
- Spine: Pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, deformity, radiculopathy, and myelopathy13.
Causes of Degenerative Joint Disease
DJD can be primary or secondary1:
- Primary OA: Common in the knee, spine, hip, and IPJ of the hand and foot. No relationship exists between premature arthrosis and activity levels1.
- Secondary OA: A direct response to abnormal mechanical loading with articular cartilage. Various causes include metabolic conditions, anatomic factors, traumatic events, and inflammatory disorders1.
Several factors increase the likelihood of DJD, including old age, a family history of neurological disorders, and activities that carry a risk of head injury1.
Diagnosis of Degenerative Joint Disease
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam to check the joint’s range of motion, structure, tenderness, and strength of associated muscles. Walking ability will be examined, as well. Evaluation of self-care and depression in the face of chronic pain are also necessary5.
- Symptoms and signs include joint pain, restriction of motion, crepitus with motion, joint effusions, deformity, and instability1.
- Radiography shows abnormal findings1.
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References:
“Osteoarthritis: pathogenic signaling pathways and therapeutic targets”
Discusses molecular mechanisms (e.g., Wnt/β-catenin signaling) and emerging therapies like Lorecivivint (SM04690), a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) in phase III trials.
DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01330-w
“Artificial intelligence-enhanced diagnosis of degenerative joint disease”
Validates AI models integrating panoramic radiography and joint noise data for early DJD detection, outperforming traditional methods.
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-83750-4
