Blacks show a higher prevalence than whites for OA of the knee. Degenerative disease that can be associated with an inflammatory component. Involves all of the tissues associated with the synovial joint. But, the primary affects are on articular cartilage, subchondral bone and formation of osteophytes. Bony changes involve an increase in subchondral bone and the formation of cyst-like cavities just under the subchondral bone.
Osteophytes also form at the insertion sites of the joint capsule.
There is a common pattern of osteophyte formation associated with each joint. Secondary changes involve mild to moderate inflammation of the synovial membrane and contraction of the ligaments and joint capsules. Radiographic analysis often shows the classic signs of narrowing of the joint spaces, subchondral bone sclerosis and osteophyte formation. There is rapid deformity with occasional ankylosis. Normally the symptoms gradually decrease.