How to treat bone growth. Joint diseases: subchondral sclerosis, as one of the signs of osteoarthritis. Reasons for the development of pathology

Deforming arthrosis is a synonym, another name for osteoarthritis. It is usually used to denote those stages of the disease that are characterized by the presence of characteristic curvature, bone and cartilage growths, and pathological joint settings. That is, when deformations come to the fore out of the whole variety of clinical manifestations.

This is a widespread chronic disease, from which none of our articular joints is immune. The main targets are the most loaded joints of the lower extremities. Depending on the etiological cause, it can be observed both in youth and in the late period of life.

Causes of deforming arthrosis

It is generally accepted that deforming arthrosis can be primary, that is, the lesion begins spontaneously without an established triggering factor. And secondary, when you can trace what was the impetus for the development of pathological processes. There are many reasons for degenerative and dystrophic changes in articular and periarticular structures. Here are the most significant:

Traumatic injuries of the joints and periarticular formations;
Improper development of the skeleton of the limbs (dysplasia);
Inflammatory diseases of the articular and periarticular structures;
Endocrine diseases and metabolic disorders.

Cartilage degradation in deforming arthrosis occurs in several stages:

Loss of fluid by hyaline cartilage, followed by thinning and dehydration;
Formation of defects, cracks and erosions in the cartilage;
Extensive degradation of the cartilage at the articular ends of the bones and a decrease in the joint space;
The formation of osteophytes and the destruction of cartilage in the marginal sections;
Sclerosis of the articular ends of bones devoid of a cartilaginous surface;
Deformities of the joints with a violation of their mobility and support ability.

Diagnosis of deforming arthrosis

Diagnosis is based on the clinical picture, medical history and data various methods research. There are no vessels and nerves in the cartilaginous cover, which explains the imperfect regeneration and the late onset of pain. Symptoms of the disease appear when the process has spread to the subchondral bone and other structures of the joint. The following diagnostic criteria are used:

Selective damage to the large joints of the legs and end joints of the fingers;
The main patients are women over 40 and more often overweight;
The load causes pain, at rest it calms down;
The presence of deformities and curvatures caused by peripheral bone and cartilage growths, destruction of cartilage and crushing of the subchondral bone of the articular ends;
Decreased range of motion associated with bone deformities, scarring and contraction of the joint capsule;
Transient after exertion or permanent signs of synovitis without inflammation;
"Crunchy" or "clicking" joints;
Dystrophic changes in the periarticular tissues.

Symptoms of deforming arthrosis and their combinations are very variable.

Instrumental diagnostics

Laboratory methods are of auxiliary importance, since in the absence of inflammation, the indicators remain within the normal range. It is used to identify concomitant diseases and differential diagnosis.
Radiography is of undeniable importance, which makes it possible to detect the onset of the disease even in the preclinical, "painless" period.
Arthroscopy makes it possible not only to visually assess the state of the internal articular structures and the degree of their degradation, but in some cases correct some changes.
Ultrasound examination is the most gentle method with high resolution. Allows you to "see" ligaments, tendons, menisci, cartilage, foreign bodies and fluid in the joint cavity. It is possible to detail deviations in development and damage to any structures.
Magnetic resonance imaging. It is possible to reliably assess the state of all articular and periarticular tissues and create three-dimensional models of the organ under study, to control the changes that occur over time.

Stages of deforming arthrosis

Clinical manifestations are minor. On radiographs, one can notice a decrease in the joint space, signs of bone sclerosis under the cartilage in areas subject to the greatest load. Softening of the hyaline cartilage is determined arthroscopically with a probe.
There are moderate functional difficulties. X-ray clearly visible uneven significant narrowing of the gap, bone growths around the perimeter articular surfaces and forming cysts on the background of subchondral osteosclerosis. Arthroscopy visualizes cracks and tears in the cartilage. There is no doubt that the patient has deforming arthrosis already at this stage.
Negative changes in the function of the joints are pronounced. On radiography, the height of the joint space is negligible. Bone growths increase the area of the articular surface, which is significantly flattened, deform the contours of the articulation. You can see the ossification of the capsule, free cartilaginous bodies and cysts in the epiphyses. During arthroscopy, the doctor will find swelling and focal detachment of cartilage.
Significant loss of limb function. On x-rays, the gap is almost not traced. Bone growths are excessive and disfiguring. Osteosclerosis alternates with areas of osteoporosis and cystic restructuring of the articular ends. Movement is almost impossible or causes severe pain. Arthroscopic examination shows the absence of cartilage.

Cartilaginous tissue is elastic and during movement cycles of compression are replaced by cycles of expansion. When compressed, the cartilage pushes the synovial fluid out of itself, and when straightened, it sucks in, thus providing nutrition. Therefore it should not long time stay in a static position.

Each degree of pathological changes in the joints corresponds to a certain treatment of deforming arthrosis. It cannot be identical at different stages of the disease and must necessarily be complex.

Therapy Methods

Traditionally, the following methods of healing are distinguished:

Surgery

Corrective osteotomy. The intersection of the bone with subsequent fusion in a pre-calculated position. Allows you to correct curvatures that cause local overstressing of the structures of the joints, remove damaged cartilage from under the load. May relieve pain for several years.

Arthroscopy with debridement. With minimal trauma, fragments of destroyed cartilage tissue are removed through punctures, uneven articular surfaces are smoothed out and, if possible, the causes that caused deforming arthrosis are eliminated (resection of a damaged meniscus, removal of free bodies, restoration of ligaments). Possible remission for one or two years.

Endoprosthetics. Full or partial replacement of the affected joint with an artificial device that duplicates the lost functions. Currently, implants have been developed for most limb joints.

Arthrodesis. In some situations, arthroplasty is contraindicated or impractical. Then it is possible to resect part of the articular surfaces and achieve fusion at the site of the joint in a functionally advantageous position of the limb.

Comprehensive treatment depending on the stage of development

Already at the first stage, despite the meager clinical picture, one should take the doctor's recommendations very seriously. The main emphasis should be placed on therapeutic exercises and physiotherapy. Treatment of deforming arthrosis, started at this stage, is able to achieve the best results. Movement stereotypes and physical activity should be changed. Do not forget about the warm-up after a long forced position of the limbs. Be sure to exclude:

prolonged static standing;
carrying weights over 3-5 kg;
monotonous hand movements of the same type;
long climbs up the stairs;
smoking, overeating and other bad habits;
kneeling work.

Pharmacological intervention should be minimal. If necessary, analgesics in the smallest dosages, chondroprotectors, plus drugs that improve local blood supply.

In the second stage, drug treatment comes to the fore, but the activities of the previous stage should be continued. Depending on the clinic and the activity of the process, the entire arsenal of drug therapy can be used according to indications. How to treat deforming arthrosis in this patient is decided solely by the doctor.

The third, and even more so the fourth stages are progressing due to the structural changes that have taken place. Under the influence of the load, the created unfavorable biomechanical conditions, instability and perverted regeneration of cartilage tissue intensify and accelerate the processes of irreversible deformation. Conservative treatment can no longer affect the course of the disease.

Persistent painful contractures and ankylosis, often in a vicious position, make it difficult to use the limb. They lose their ability to work and take care of themselves. Some deformities lead to pathological fractures and dislocations. Such situations require surgical intervention.

In the later stages, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular injection of glucocorticoids and hyaluronic acid provide temporary relief. But such assistance is indicated for elderly patients with severe comorbidities, when operations are contraindicated. Remission periods with symptomatic therapy can reach several weeks and even months.

Deforming arthrosis of the knee or hip joint to redistribute the load and maintain stability is an indication for the use of walking sticks. The handle of the cane should be at the level of the greater trochanter of the healthy leg.

Nutrition for osteoarthritis

Deforming arthrosis requires an integrated approach to treatment. Nutrition is also important. It should be:

moderately high-calorie;
balanced content of proteins, fats, carbohydrates;
enough of minerals and vitamins.

The daily need for proteins should be covered by the use of lean meat, fish and dairy products. Foods high in collagen and gelatin are very useful. For example, jelly, satilsons, aspic. In order for the diet to be complete in terms of vitamin and mineral composition, it is necessary to eat more fruits and vegetables daily.

Undoubted benefit will bring the restriction, but rather the rejection of rich flour products, fried foods and alcohol. Food or biologically active additives (BAA) in the treatment of patients with a diagnosis of deforming arthrosis do not have any reliably significant effect.

Traditional medicine in the treatment of deforming arthrosis

Treatment of deforming arthrosis is associated with the development side effects about non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and an alternative is the use of folk remedies. The main medical achievement folk recipes is a decrease in pain, phenomena of synovitis and inflammation during exacerbations. Here are some simple but effective recipes:

Compress. Mix thoroughly, depending on the size of the joint, one part of vodka and aloe juice with two parts of honey. Let stand 1-2 hours. Make a compress at night for up to 2-3 weeks.
Rubbing. Buy at the pharmacy 50 gr. elecampane root and insist 10-12 days in 125 ml of vodka. Rub into the area of the diseased joint 3-4 times a day.
Ointment. Place in a small container of 100g. vegetable oil and propolis and continuously stirring to simmer in a water bath until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Apply the ointment 2-3 times a day.
Infusion. Boil four strong and washed potatoes in their skins. Set aside until cool, drain the top medicinal layer. Take three times a day for 1/3-1/4 cup.

Conclusion

Success in the treatment of deforming arthrosis can only be achieved by daily methodically fulfilling medical appointments, changing the way of life for the better, maintaining sufficient physical activity and with healthy optimism, being creative in the healing process.

subchondral sclerosis

One of the degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system is subchondral sclerosis. The disease affects the tissues of the spine and articular surfaces. For many people, the word "sclerosis" is associated with aging, impaired brain function. But few people know what it is in relation to bone tissue. In fact, this pathology manifests itself in the growth of subchondral tissue, that is, the one that covers the surface of the joints under the cartilage. This tissue lined the articular fossa and the heads of the bones. Such a degenerative process can occur in the joints or endplates of the vertebral bodies.

Development mechanism

Osteosclerosis is not an independent disease. This is just a sign of damage to the articular surfaces, condyles of the bone, found on x-rays. When, for some reason, blood circulation and metabolic processes in the subchondral tissue are disturbed, it begins to deform. There is growth, compaction of bone tissue, cartilage is destroyed. Arthrosis, spondylitis and osteochondrosis manifest themselves in this way. Joints that can withstand the greatest load are most often affected: the hip joints, hands, and tibial heads. In the spine, subchondral sclerosis is most susceptible to lumbar and cervical region.

When, for various reasons, the cartilage that covers the inner surface of the joint is damaged, it begins to be replaced by bone tissue. It grows, thickens, osteophytes are formed - bone growths. Sometimes they do not cause any inconvenience to a person, but most often the joint space narrows, and movement becomes difficult, causing pain. A hip injury can lead to complete immobility. And with degenerative processes in the joints of the spine, often there is an infringement of the nerve roots by osteophytes. Therefore, there are back pains, as well as various neurological problems.

Varieties

The most common subchondral sclerosis of the endplates in the spine. They are located between the vertebrae and discs. Plates in the cervical region and lower back are affected. Pathology also occurs in the joints of the limbs, subjected to heavy loads. Subchondral sclerosis of the knee, hip, foot, shoulder, or hand joints is common.

According to the features of development, primary and secondary sclerosis are distinguished. The primary form can occur even in healthy cartilage tissue with increased stress or injury. Secondary sclerosis develops on articular surfaces already affected by degenerative processes, for example, with arthrosis.

In addition, four stages are distinguished in the classification of the disease.

The initial stage is characterized by marginal osteophytes, which almost do not impair joint mobility.
Moderate subchondral sclerosis is detected on x-ray by narrowing of the joint space.
The third stage is a pronounced subchondral sclerosis, in which osteophytes grow to large sizes, the joint space is very narrowed.
At the last stage, the joint is completely deformed, the depression is smoothed out, its surfaces become flat. Osteophytes greatly interfere with its normal functioning.

Causes

Degenerative-dystrophic processes in the subchondral tissue can be caused by various reasons. Most often, adjacent plates wear out with age as a result of a slowdown in metabolic processes or disruption of the vessels.

But this condition can be caused by other factors:

hereditary predisposition;
congenital pathologies;
endocrine disorders;
overweight;
injuries;
prolonged stay in one position;
inflammatory diseases.

Different joints are affected for different reasons. For example, due to excess weight, increased physical activity or injuries, the ankle joints or knees are most often affected. And as a result sedentary image life and circulatory disorders, the end plates of the vertebrae are affected.

In addition, the growth of bone tissue in the joint can be triggered by certain diseases. First of all, it is arthrosis, arthritis, osteochondrosis, spondylitis, joint dysplasia. But diseases of the internal organs can also cause impaired blood circulation and nutrition of the subchondral tissue. This diabetes, gout, systemic lupus erythematosus.

Symptoms

Sclerosis of the subchondral plates is not an independent disease. This is a symptom that manifests itself in degenerative-dystrophic processes in bone tissue. But they combine these processes with one concept, because they have common features. First of all, it is pain, crunching during movement and limitation of joint mobility. Muscle weakness, lack of coordination, problems with movement may also appear.

There are also specific symptoms depending on the location of the pathological process. If the knee or elbow is affected, pain occurs when the limb is extended. When the patient bends the arm or leg, he experiences only slight discomfort, but it becomes problematic to unbend it. Sclerosis of the roof of the acetabulum or other surfaces of the hip joint causes pain in the lower back, as well as disruption of the pelvic organs.

With subchondral sclerosis of the endplates of the vertebral bodies, often there is an infringement of the nerve endings and a violation of blood circulation. This is manifested by numbness of the limbs, loss of sensation. If the degenerative process occurs in the cervical region, problems with memory, concentration, headaches, hearing loss and depression may begin. emotional condition. Even chest pains and palpitations can be symptoms of this pathology.

Treatment

In order to stop the growth of osteophytes, it is necessary to correctly determine the cause of this condition. Only the treatment of the underlying disease that caused the pathological process will help alleviate the patient's condition. Therefore, therapeutic measures are selected individually depending on the patient's condition, the severity of the disease and the localization of the pathological process.

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, slow down degenerative processes, and increase joint mobility. In the early stages, this can be done with conservative treatment. Most often, manual therapy, physiotherapy exercises, acupressure or classical massage, acupuncture are used. Physiotherapy helps, especially thermal, as well as electrophoresis and mud baths.

Of the drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesics are prescribed for pain relief - Indomethacin, Diclofenac, muscle relaxants and antispasmodics for muscle relaxation, chondroprotectors for restoring cartilage tissue - Artra, Chondroitin, Teraflex. Antihistamines, antibacterials, or hormonal preparations. Useful injections of B vitamins, multivitamin complexes.

Severe growth of osteophytes that interfere with movement is an indication for surgical treatment. Only with the help of an operation can they be removed. It can be arthroscopy or joint arthroplasty.

In the absence of therapy or the appointment of improper treatment, serious complications are possible. The friction of the articular surfaces against each other provokes the development of the inflammatory process. And the growth of osteophytes can cause damage to soft tissues. In severe cases, a purulent process may develop.

The earlier the patient went to the doctor and began treatment, the greater the chance of maintaining the mobility and function of the joint.

For arthrosis of the maxillofacial joint, symptoms and treatment are associated with dystrophic changes in the structure. What are the main causes of such a disease, its symptoms, methods of therapy and methods of prevention, as well as what kind of treatment with folk remedies can be used?

Why the disease can develop

This pathology of the musculoskeletal system has a chronic origin. Arthrosis of the TMJ is caused by long-term dystrophic processes in the tissues. They are accompanied by a violation of the performance of the lower jaw. The problem is widespread. According to the latest data, signs of this disease occur in about half of patients after 50 years. In persons older than 70 years, this pathology occurs already in 90% of cases, regardless of gender.

Osteoarthritis of the jaw is diagnosed most often in young women. The treatment of such a pathology is carried out by specialists of various specialties - dentists, orthopedists, orthodontists, surgeons, traumatologists, physiotherapists.

Osteoarthritis of the jaw joint refers to a multifactorial pathology. The reasons for it are both local and general. Local factors in the development of the disease include:

chronic arthritis of the maxillofacial joint;
bite pathology;
adentia (most often the absence of molars in the lower jaw);
enamel pathology;
bruxism;
improper installation of seals;
errors in the process of prosthetics;
trauma;
a history of operations on the jaw joint.

Among the common factors for the occurrence of such a disease:

unfavorable heredity;
disturbances in the work of the endocrine glands;
vascular pathologies;
systemic diseases;
infections;
in women - menopause and a drop in the production of female sex hormones due to age-related changes;
pathology of bone tissue and cartilage.

The pathogenesis of this disease is associated with an additional load on the articular part, which is above the limit of normal endurance. This happens as a result of constant microtrauma, inflammation, metabolic disorders in the body. Gradually, the pathology of the masticatory muscles develops. All these processes provoke changes in the tissue nutrition of the articular part, there is a loss of the elastic properties of its tissues.

The head of the jaw gradually changes its shape (becomes club-shaped, mushroom-shaped, hook-shaped). It shows signs of osteoporosis.

How are they classified

Jaw arthrosis can be classified as follows:

Sclerosing arthrosis. It is manifested by sclerosis of the bone surface, narrowing of the joint spaces.
Deforming arthrosis is manifested by flattening of the joint fossa, its head and articular tubercle. At the same time, the formation of osteophytes on the surfaces of the joint is determined radiographically. In advanced cases, arthrosis of the mandibular joint is manifested by a very severe deformation of the head.
Primary arthrosis develops in a person without previous diseases. This type occurs mainly in the elderly.
Secondary arthrosis is associated with frequent and severe injuries, inflammation, metabolic or vascular dysfunction.

There are 4 stages of jaw pathology:

At the first stage, instability in the jaw joint is noted. The radiological sign of such instability is an intermittent narrowing of the joint gap (it is mild or moderately pronounced). There is moderate degradation of the cartilage.
In the second stage, pronounced changes are noted. X-ray diagnosed sclerosis and ossification of the condylar process in the lower jaw.
At the third (late) stage, the function of the jaw joint is limited. Radiologically, almost complete degeneration of the cartilage is determined, massive sclerosis of the joint surfaces occurs. The condylar process is gradually shortened, the articular fossa becomes denser.
At the advanced stage, fibrous degradation of the joint occurs.

What are the symptoms of pathology

This disease develops for a long time. At first, the patient does not notice the changes that occur in the body. Among the earliest signs of a degenerative change in the organ are clicks and crunches, stiffness in the morning. During the day, these symptoms gradually disappear. In the future, pain joins such stiffness: first when talking and chewing, and then at rest. Pain symptoms are aggravated by changing weather, often in the late afternoon.

In the future, the function of the joint is gradually limited. This becomes noticeable when the range of motion in the joint is limited. The following symptoms are noted:

poor mobility;
facial asymmetry;
change in the position of the jaw during opening of the mouth;
numbness on the affected side;
pain in the tongue;
pain in the ears, in the eyeballs, head, sometimes hearing loss.

On palpation and auscultation, a crunch and crepitus are determined. When probing the pterygoid muscle, the patient usually does not feel pain. Often the patient cannot open his mouth wide; in rare cases, the width of the opening of the mouth is no more than 0.5 cm. Sometimes a person shifts the lower jaw to the sides in order to open the mouth normally.

In addition, with active movements, patients feel very sharp pain. At the same time, the condition worsens sharply, the temperature rises, and there is a chill. With purulent mumps, further spread of the inflammatory process to the salivary glands, the inner ear is possible. There are characteristic symptoms of parotitis, otitis media.

Pain dysfunction

With an uneven (one-sided) load on the joint, a pronounced pain dysfunction occurs. It is characterized by the appearance of constant aching pain. It usually radiates to the cheek, ear, and back of the head. The ability to open the mouth normally is usually impaired. Probing the masticatory muscles usually causes pain.

Treatment of pain dysfunction is aimed primarily at eliminating its manifestations. This can be achieved through the use of analgesics and sedatives. Showing drugs with muscle relaxant properties. Sirdalud is most often used for this purpose.

Methods for diagnosing a disease

The sooner you start treating arthrosis, the greater the likelihood of a favorable outcome. The diagnosis is made on the basis of functional data, radiography. If the patient goes to the dentist, then complaints are analyzed, the oral cavity is examined, muscles and joints are palpated. The regularity of movements in the joint is carefully determined.

The main method of diagnosis is radiography of the joint. With its help, the initial signs of arthrosis are detected. Computed tomography allows you to more accurately determine such changes in the joint. Additionally, the following examinations are carried out:

arthrography;
orthopantomography of the jaw;
electromyography;
rheography;
arthrophonography;
axiography.

Consultation of an orthodontist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist is indicated.

This disease is differentiated from arthritis, muscle and joint dysfunction, chondroma, osteoma.

Principles of treatment of arthrosis

In case of detection of arthrosis of the jaw joint, complex treatment is mandatory. Necessary therapeutic, orthopedic, orthodontic measures are provided. The entire period when the treatment of arthrosis of the TMJ is carried out, a sparing diet is shown, with restriction of solid food, in addition, it is necessary to chew foods intensively. Talk restriction is sometimes indicated to limit intense stress on the joint.

The dental stage of treatment involves the elimination of factors leading to joint overload. There is an elimination of defects of teeth, bite correction. Sometimes the patient needs to grind the teeth, with the replacement of fillings. Eliminate excessive load and the installation of crowns, wearing prostheses and orthodontic systems. It must be remembered that this method of treating arthrosis of the jaw joint is quite lengthy.

It is very important to stop the pain that occurs with such a disease. And this is often used traditional method pain relief - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Most often, these funds are used in tablet form. Less commonly used ointments with NSAIDs. Chondroprotectors are used to improve tissue trophism and slow down the degenerative process in tissues. A remedy such as Chondroxide has proven itself well.

Physiotherapy techniques

Physiotherapy in case of illness has a positive effect on the jaw joint and prevents its further damage. Among the physiotherapy procedures, the following are often used:

ultrasonic phonophoresis;
electrophoresis (exposure to a weak electric current);
treatment of the affected joint with a laser;
magnetotherapy;
galvanotherapy;
fluctuation;
treatment with paraffin;
treatment with ozokerite;
irradiation of the joint with infrared rays;
microwave treatment;
massage.

If correct, adequate treatment is carried out, arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint has many chances for a successful outcome.

Treatment of traumatic arthrosis

This type of disease occurs as a result of severe injuries in this area. The main task of the surgeon is to achieve immobility of the joint. This can be achieved by applying the so-called sling bandage. It securely fixes the jaw and prevents sudden movements.

Wearing a sling bandage is recommended for 2 to 3 days if the patient develops arthritis of an infectious nature. The period of wearing a bandage for injuries of the jaw joint increases to 10 days. During this period, to avoid complications, it is recommended to eat only liquid food.

If traumatic arthritis is accompanied by edema, then the patient is usually prescribed drugs to stimulate impaired blood circulation in diseased tissues. To reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process, antibiotics are prescribed. Additionally, immunomodulators are recommended to improve the functioning of the nervous system.

Features of surgical therapy

Surgical treatment of such a disease is indicated in severe cases. Currently, minimally invasive operations are used to help quickly restore the normal functions of the jaw joint. At the same time, there are no violations of bite, chewing functions, as it happened earlier when performing traditional joint operations.

Usually the doctor chooses one of the following methods of surgical treatment of arthrosis of the jaw joint:

resection of the head of the joint;
removal of a disc inside a joint (meniscectomy);
transplantation of the articular head;
prosthetics (in especially severe cases, when there was a complete destruction of the joint).

Arthroplasty is used in advanced cases when other methods of restoring the normal function of the joint are not possible.

Treatment with folk methods

The goal of treating osteoarthritis of the jaw joint with the help of folk remedies is to eliminate the symptoms of the disease and its causes. The most commonly used ointments, compresses, tinctures.

The best ways to treat osteoarthritis at home are as follows:

A mixture of cranberries, honey and garlic is crushed with a meat grinder. The internal intake of such a remedy significantly improves the nutrition of diseased tissues, relieves inflammation and pain. It is advisable to take this mixture before eating.
Before each meal, it is advisable to drink apple cider vinegar diluted with water. Such a medicine very well removes salt deposits in the body. A course of treatment lasting at least 1 month helps to normalize metabolic processes in the muscles.
Treatment with bee products gives a powerful anti-inflammatory and restorative effect. The use of bee venom as a remedy helps to activate the immune system and strengthen body tissues. Before using bee products for medicinal purposes, you need to make sure that there is no allergy.

Before using folk remedies, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Preventive actions

Prevention of such a disease comes down to certain measures:

improving the quality of nutrition;
increase motor activity;
fight against bad habits;
meticulous oral hygiene;
timely correction of bite defects, sanitation of the oral cavity;
regular visits to the dentist.

Osteoarthritis of the jaw joint is a fairly common disease. It responds well to early treatment. If you start the disease, then the results of therapy will not be so high.

Everyone has the power to prevent the disease. It is very important to visit the dentist regularly to treat possible joint dysfunctions. In advanced cases, the patient is recommended surgical treatment to restore the joint. Modern medical technologies make treatment simple and painless.

With subchondral sclerosis, a degenerative process of cartilage tissue of the joints occurs. Small and large bone formations can be affected.

Most often, the disease affects the joints, which experience increased loads - the lower limbs and the spinal column. Doctors refer to sclerosis as the initial link in the chain of pathological changes in bones that can lead to complete immobility. Sclerosis is a manifestation of forms of osteoarthritis or coxarthrosis.

Feature of the pathology

It is found during the X-ray examination of the patient.

Cartilage makes our joints mobile, when it is damaged, the structure of the bones begins to change - it becomes denser and increases in size due to the formation of growths - osteophytes.

When they grow, they close the gap between the articular elements, their work becomes difficult, and it becomes impossible for a person to move. Contact due to thinning of the cartilage, the bone surfaces are destroyed, compress the nerve endings, causing severe pain. This process is called endplate sclerosis of the vertebral bodies.

The disease is common among the male population in the age category of 50 years. First, sclerosis appears in one joint, then it moves to nearby ones, for example, from one limb to another. If one knee hurts, a person limps, while he transfers the entire load of his body to a healthy leg, which also gradually begins to hurt. After all, the load is unbearable.

People suffering from a similar disease complain to an orthopedist-traumatologist of aching pain, difficulty in motor activity, and the presence of a crunch when bending the knee. The state of health of such people worsens in cool, rainy weather. After prolonged sitting or lying down, it can be difficult to move again.

What are the types of diseases

There are at least three types of subchondral sclerosis - the articular surfaces, the acetabulum and the end plates connecting adjacent vertebrae.

Subchondral sclerosis of the articular surfaces appears on different elements of the limbs.

Cartilage and joint fluid provide the sliding of the bones of the joint relative to each other. Under the layer of cartilage is a thin plate, penetrated by blood vessels and thin nerve endings, through which the bone elements and cartilage receive nutrition. When the cartilage coating is destroyed, the plate is forced to take on its functions. It hardens, salts are deposited in it, the vessels overlap, useful substances do not enter.

The disease often affects the joint of the big toe on the foot. The front part of it begins to hurt, and then a “bone” forms on the left side of the thumb, bringing excruciating pain while walking. In advanced cases, it may be impossible to wear shoes at all.

In case of trauma with sclerosis, the shoulder joint can be affected. The following signs speak of its presence: pain during movement, radiating to the shoulder blade and collarbone. Women can't even fasten their bra because of the pain.

If the hands experience a lot of stress during work, the joints of the elbow and hand become ill with vibration.

On the x-ray, you can see how the gap in the joint narrows, and later, how calcium salts begin to be deposited along the outer edge of the acetabulum, compacting it. This process is called subchondral sclerosis of the acetabulum.

Why cartilage is damaged, what factors contribute to its degeneration:

extra pounds of weight load the joint,
heavy physical work;
injuries, dislocations, fractures, inflammation;
irrational nutrition;
anomalies anatomical structure legs, arms, vertebrae;
vascular and joint diseases - arthritis, gout, diabetes mellitus;
congenital pathologies, poor heredity;
hormonal changes.

Subchondral endplate sclerosis affects the spinal region.

The function of cartilage in the spine is performed by the endplate. It also refers to the joints, but differs in structure. The body of each vertebra is covered with a plate that supplies nutrients intervertebral disc. When the work of the plates is disrupted, destructive processes begin to occur, leading to the development of intervertebral hernias or osteochondrosis.

From this disease most often, because it has a large load. From a long stay in a sitting position with a bowed neck, a destructive process in the cervical region can begin. This happens due to incorrect posture and arm tension. The back begins to hurt, the intensity of pain increases when moving with irradiation with cervical sclerosis in the arm, and with lumbar - in the leg.

Interesting! By the way, such a disease is not observed in animals, and a person suffers due to his ability to walk straight on two legs, and not on four.

The sclerotic process can progress in the future, so it is important to detect the problem in time so as not to face the inability to move and neurological anomalies.

According to the method of development, subchondral sclerosis is primary, and then becomes secondary. Occurs first in completely healthy cartilaginous tissue after injury or overload. And only then the pathology continues to progress on damaged bone surfaces, then arthrosis begins.

The disease has four degrees:

Small processes grow along the edges of bone formations, which almost do not impede movement in the joint.
Moderate violation, when the gap between the components of the joint narrows.
Subchondral sclerosis manifests itself as a large proliferation of osteophytes, cluttering up not only the joint space, but also the acetabulum.
There is a complete deformation of the joint, the bones can no longer work normally.

Signs of subchondral sclerosis

At first, periodic pain and unusual sensations (fatigue) are tolerable. Many people think: “Why go to the doctor’s office, I’ll lie down, rest, and everything will go away on its own.” In the meantime, the disease continues its onset, osteophytes increase in size, block the joint space and prevent the joints from working.

It becomes impossible to walk or move the arm, the pain torments day and night, especially in bad weather. The sore spot swells, turns red, becomes hot. Internal changes are also significant - the surfaces of the joint become flat, the cartilage is thin, spasms lead to muscle atrophy.

Important! The main symptoms of the disease are limited mobility of the damaged joint and aching pain.

There are also special features, which manifest themselves depending on the location of the destructive process. When the leg is affected, the pain intensifies when it is extended. And when bending, on the contrary, it almost never hurts. Sclerosis in the hip joint or acetabulum responds with lower back pain, dysfunction of the pelvic organs.

When the nerves are pinched during sclerosis of the endplates between the vertebral bodies, the limbs become numb and lose sensitivity. If the cervical region suffers from sclerosis, then memory loss, headache will begin, attention and hearing will deteriorate. The person will feel tired and depressed. Symptoms may even include palpitations and chest pain.

The symptoms of sclerosis are the same as with arthrosis of the 2-3 stages of development. It is then that sclerosis occurs:

subchondral sclerosis of the hip causes rheumatoid arthritis;
the joint hurts at night, when walking, standing and sitting for a long time.
the limb or back is stiff, does not move well after waking up in the morning, and then, after some time, everything goes away.
it becomes more difficult to overcome long distances on foot;
a person begins to limp, while walking leans on a stick or cane.

This is already evidence of the long course of the pathological process, when irreversible changes have already occurred.

Do not wait until you have all these signs, try to contact an orthopedist or traumatologist as early as possible, while something can be corrected. On initial stage development of subchondral sclerosis, you can have time to stop the disease. If you constantly feel discomfort inside the joint when walking, hear a crunch, then hurry to the doctor.

Treatment

The growth of subchondral tissues can be caused by various diseases, this process itself is not an independent disease. Therefore, the underlying disease, which caused a similar condition of the bones, is treated.

The doctor prescribes a complex of medicines - against inflammation, pain, hormonal, antihistamines.

The best way to slow down the destruction of cartilaginous tissue and restore joint performance is physiotherapy exercises. If after gymnastics you feel bad, be sure to tell your doctor about it. He will change course to a less intense one.

In addition, massage can be used to improve muscle tone, supply tissues with oxygen and nutrients. Radiation, wave therapy will accelerate the metabolic process, normalize blood circulation. Electrophoresis can be combined with taking chondroprotectors, drugs against pain and inflammation. Mud baths will help replenish the body with minerals.

Joints often get sick from excess weight and unhealthy diet. If you make changes to your menu and do fitness, then your well-being will improve.

We hope our tips will help you to find health and good mood.

An unpleasant feeling of discomfort, accompanied by pain in the joints, is familiar to many people, especially the elderly. It happens that due to serious physical exertion, such manifestations are of a periodic, short-term nature. In such cases, they can be dealt with on their own with the help of various painkillers. But when joint problems develop into serious illness, a person is forced to see a doctor.

Among the variety of diseases affecting the joints, such an ailment as subchondral sclerosis of the articular surfaces deserves special attention. With this pathology, degenerative processes develop in the cartilage or bone tissue. As a result, the articular surface undergoes major changes. By and large, subchondral sclerosis cannot be considered an independent disease. It is rather an x-ray symptom, indicating that the cause of this disease is other pathologies of a degenerative-dystrophic nature that occur in the body. Therefore, getting rid of subchondral sclerosis without treating the underlying disease is quite difficult.

In subchondral sclerosis, due to inflammation, trauma or aging, the connective tissue of the joint is affected. As a result, bone density increases, and it itself grows. Such a pathological process leads to the fact that irregularities appear on the articular surface, bone outgrowths are formed - osteophytes. The appearance of such irregularities increases friction, which is the cause of pain. With an incorrect diagnosis, untimely treatment, further growth of outgrowths can block the joint and completely immobilize it.

According to the observations of doctors, subchondral sclerosis most often develops against the background of such degenerative-dystrophic diseases as arthrosis and. Of course, the causes of their occurrence and the symptoms are somewhat different from each other, but in arthrosis and osteochondrosis there is one common feature: the development of these diseases, as a rule, always leads to the formation of osteophytes. Only with arthrosis, osteophytes are formed along the edges of the joints, and in the presence of osteochondrosis, bone outgrowths appear along the edge of the vertebrae.

Unfortunately, such formations that characterize subchondral sclerosis cannot be completely cured. With the help of drug therapy, you can only stop the further progression of the disease and prevent the formation of new bone growths. Moreover, doctors involved in the treatment of this pathology rarely resort to surgical intervention, since even surgery is not capable of radically changing the situation.

There are primary and secondary forms of development of subchondral sclerosis. In the primary form pathological changes articular surface occur in a healthy joint. Pain syndrome occurs due to the load on the musculoskeletal system, and subsides during rest. In the secondary form of the disease, an already damaged joint is affected after arthritis or an injury. In most cases, subchondral sclerosis affects the ankle, knee, and hip joints. The most dangerous consequences of this pathology are the formation of bone spurs and complete immobility.

Doctors note that the treatment process for subchondral sclerosis takes a long time and requires great effort. In the case of severe pain, the patient is prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. The patient needs to perform regularly special exercises to improve blood circulation in the affected joints and flexibility of movement. In addition to the main measures of influence, hardware physiotherapy, acupuncture helps, a half-bed or orthopedic regimen is possible.

One of the important conditions for the treatment of subchondral sclerosis of the articular surfaces is the limitation of physical activity. To reduce the likelihood of disease progression, it is necessary to monitor your own weight, since each overweight significantly increases the load on the joint. Therefore, along with therapeutic measures, a dietary diet should be observed.

It is well known that joint pain is an inevitable manifestation of aging. Timely visits to doctors, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help to identify a dangerous disease already at early stage. You should not wait for the dangerous consequences that subchondral sclerosis often leads to. Take care of yourself!

Surely, most people at least once in their lives experienced inconvenience and discomfort caused by pain in the back and joints. Of course, it’s good if they are short-term due to banal physical exertion, but what if this is a serious disease that requires the participation of professional specialists?

Changes in cartilage or subchondral sclerosis is the most common cause and one of the radiological symptoms of such unpleasant diseases as osteochondrosis or osteoarthritis. It should be noted that the concept of "osteoarthritis" unites not one, but a whole group of diseases with similar morphological, biological and clinical signs. At the same time, the entire joint is involved in the process, including the subchondral bone, capsule, ligaments, periarticular muscles, and the main clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis include deformity and pain of the joints, which subsequently lead to their insufficient functionality. This is especially felt by the elderly.

In general, osteoarthritis belongs to the group of the most common joint diseases. The reasons for its development can be not only mechanical (bruises, injuries, etc.), but also biological factors (violation of the processes of formation of new cells of the subchondral bone (subchondral sclerosis) and articular cartilage). In addition, the presence of genetic diseases is of great importance in the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.

There are primary and secondary osteoarthritis. The reasons for the former, as a rule, cannot be established. It is also called idiopathic, i.e. special or idiosyncratic. In contrast, the causes of secondary osteoarthritis are obvious - these are mechanical damage to the joints of various origins (metabolic disorders, endocrine diseases, inflammatory processes in the joints, injuries, etc.).

X-ray diagnostics is successfully used to detect osteoarthritis. She points to a number of symptoms that reflect changes in bone tissue and articular cartilage, including subchondral sclerosis. The radiological symptom of osteoarthritis at an early stage is osteophytes - bone growths along the edges, which first manifest as sharpening of the edges of the joint surface (subchondral sclerosis of the articular surfaces), and then, gradually growing, are transformed into massive bony lips and spikes. The presence of significant changes in the articular cartilage is also confirmed by varying degrees of narrowing of the joint space. Moreover, the gap can narrow on one side and simultaneously expand on the other, which also indicates the instability of the joint.

In addition, X-ray diagnostics reveals subchondral sclerosis of the endplates. Their thickening also indicates the instability of the joint and appears, as a rule, due to mechanical trauma or due to age-related changes in the joints in elderly people.

Osteoarthritis often contributes to the loss of the depreciation function of the articular cartilage that protects bone tissue from physical and mechanical overload. The compensating factor in this case is subchondral sclerosis, i.e. hardening or thickening of subchondral bone

The most common in Russia is developed by N.S. Kosinskaya. X-ray classification of osteoarthritis in accordance with the stages of development. So, for example, the first stage of the disease is characterized by the presence of a slight narrowing of the joint space and marginal bone growths. The occurrence of subchondral syndrome and a more distinct narrowing of the joint space indicates the second stage of osteoarthritis. And, finally, the third stage is a sharp and significant narrowing of the gap, accompanied by cystic formations and flattening of the surface of the joints.

Usually, the treatment of osteoarthritis is a rather long and laborious process. Its main principles include, first of all, limitation of physical activity, physiotherapy, compliance with the orthopedic regimen, etc.

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Subchondral sclerosis is a degenerative-dystrophic pathology that occurs in the tissues of the articular surfaces, endplates of the vertebral bodies and.

The disease causes degeneration of the cartilage lining the surfaces of the joints from the inside. As the disease progresses, healthy tissue is transformed into connective tissue, which cannot cope with the necessary functions.

With subchondral sclerosis, thickening and growth of the bone articular tissue occurs, ending in the formation of growths.

Pathology is not classified as an independent disease. It is considered an undesirable concomitant phenomenon that occurs against the background of or.

The pathological process develops gradually. Its progress depends on the course of the underlying disease, methods of its treatment.

Classification of the lesion - types, degrees, localization

There are 2 forms of the pathological condition:

Primary. The disease provokes excessive stress on the joint. The disease develops in damaged and healthy cartilage.
Secondary. Occurs on old cartilage damage.

Subchondral sclerosis is most often localized in:

shoulder, knee or in the region of the hip joint;
foot joints;
cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

Doctors distinguish 4 stages of the course of the disease, which are characterized by certain signs:

At I stage bone tissue grows. At the edges of the joints are formed.
At stage II the joint space is narrowed, growths are present, the bone tissue is lighter.
At Stage III the joint space has narrowed as much as possible, the osteophytes are quite large, they create friction, which prevents the free movement of the joint.
At IV stage the surfaces of the joints are excessively deformed, they are devoid of mobility (it bends / unbends with difficulty), the size of the growths is excessive.

According to the affected surfaces, subchondral sclerosis is classified as follows:

Violation in the area endplates. The endplates separate the intervertebral discs from the vertebral body. In deformed plates, the subchondral surface is damaged. Injuries lead to ossification of the endplates, the formation of growths. Irregularities on the surface of the vertebrae cause increased friction and the development of inflammatory processes.
Sclerosis articular surfaces- a serious complication. Pathology is characterized by degenerative-dystrophic changes in the articular cartilage. Articular bones, protected by cartilage, are connected to muscles by tendons. Beneath the cartilage is the subchondral bone. In complicated arthrosis and arthritis, cartilage is severely destroyed. To compensate for the loss of cartilage, the body tries to strengthen the bone located under it. Thickening of the bone tissue leads to immobilization of the injured joint.
- a pathology in which seals form on the subchondral tissues. In this case connective tissues grow and bone density increases. Subchondral sclerosis of the spine occurs due to impaired blood supply to bone tissues. The pathology is characterized by segmental thickening of the vertebrae.

Causes and risk factors

Pathology develops due to reasons:

inadequate physical activity (reduced to a minimum and performed beyond measure);
injuries of the joints and vertebrae;
heredity associated with metabolic imbalance and joint diseases.

Where is the subchondral endplate tissue located?

The surfaces of the joints are lined with subchondral tissue, one side of which is fused with bone, and the other with cartilage.

There are many blood vessels and nerve processes running along the subchondral bone. Cartilage lacks a blood supply system.

It feeds on the underlying tissue as long as the subchondral bone is healthy.

As soon as the blood supply is disturbed in this tissue, seals and deformations begin to form in it. Damaged bone ceases to nourish the cartilage, and has a destructive effect on it.

Also, the causes of the disease include:

Inflammatory and degenerative-dystrophic processes caused by a long course, and other pathologies.
Exhausting stress on the joints(athletes, people whose professional activity associated with increased physical activity, those who are careless when lifting weights).
Excess weight. The joints of the legs and spine are forced to withstand an unbearable load.
Autoimmune diseases, metabolic imbalance.

Features of the clinical picture

Symptoms of the disease vary depending on the localization of the pathology:

If subchondral sclerosis is diagnosed end plates of the vertebral bodies, then note limited mobility in the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. Patients experience dull pain when bending back/forward. Sharp pain pierces when the body is trying to turn back. In neglected states, when blood vessels and nerve processes are injured, neurological symptoms appear: limbs become numb, noise and ringing in the ears, dizziness, hearing and vision decrease, coordination of movements is disturbed.
With damage to the elbow and knee joints flexion-extensor functions are difficult. When unbending, the patient experiences pain, when flexing - uncomfortable sensations.
When damaged hip joint there are sharp and aching pains in the thigh, pelvis and lower back. In neglected states, the work of the genitourinary system and intestines is disrupted.

Statement and specification of the diagnosis

To diagnose a patient do:

computed tomography;
vertebral sclerosis helps to reveal the test for the density of subchondral tissues;
to exclude other pathologies, a blood test is prescribed, a genetic test is performed.

Complex of therapeutic measures

Since subchondral sclerosis is not a separate pathology, but only an x-ray symptom, it is treated according to a certain scheme. The emphasis is on eliminating the disease that provoked sclerosis, ensuring proper physical activity and physiotherapy.

Treatment of the disease - provocateur

The underlying disease is treated using drug therapy and radical techniques. The doctor, depending on the pathology, prescribes medicines with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antihistamine, hormonal, analgesic action.

With excessively deformed joints, surgical operations are performed that can restore lost functions. Patients are made, growths are removed, a partial or complete prosthesis is inserted.

The technology of surgical intervention depends on the deformity of the joint, anamnesis and age features patient.

Recovery of motor activity

Subchondral sclerosis is a chronic pathology. To eliminate it, stimulating procedures are needed that can normalize metabolism and stop the progression of the disease. Physiotherapy - best option, inhibiting further deformation of the joint, contributing to the restoration of lost functions.

For patients suffering from subchondral sclerosis, physical education is a real test of strength. When performing exercises, they have to overcome increased pain in the joints.

If the pain gets worse and general state the patient's condition worsens significantly, the doctor revises the exercise therapy program. Selects a lightweight option for the patient therapeutic gymnastics. In critical situations, sports are canceled for a while. Instead, the patient receives massage and physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy

The condition of patients is facilitated with the help of massage, acupuncture, thermal, radiation and wave effects, electrophoresis with medicinal applications.

Physiotherapy procedures enhance blood circulation, metabolism in tissues, relieve pain, eliminate inflammation, restore cartilage tissue, and prevent its destruction. The lack of minerals is replenished by mud baths.

Consequences and complications

Excessively overgrown bone articular tissue leads to serious complications. As a result of bone growth, spurs, spikes, and lips are formed. growths different forms cause pain, entail loss of motor functions.

Due to the overgrown tissue between the articular surfaces, increased friction occurs, causing inflammation.

Thickened articular surfaces are forced to protrude beyond the boundaries of the joints, damage tendons, blood vessels, muscle tissue, subcutaneous tissue, and provoke the occurrence of inflammatory processes in them.

In advanced conditions, purulent and necrotic processes develop. Pus penetrates the blood stream, spreads through the organs, causing concomitant diseases. Necrosis is the death of tissue.

In order to prevent

Subchondral sclerosis of the articular surfaces does not occur in people who lead an active lifestyle, diet and body weight, involved in sports.

The first pain sensations that occur in the joints signal the emerging pathologies. When they appear, you should consult a doctor. With timely treatment, arthritis, arthrosis and osteochondrosis will not give serious complications, they will not develop into subchondral sclerosis, an intractable pathology.

Correct posture, gymnastics, rational nutrition help to maintain the health of the spine and joints.

Long-term treatment helps to compensate for degenerative-dystrophic changes in the spine and joints. Complex therapy relieves pain and allows you to achieve sustainable remission.