Gonarthrosis

Introduction

The medical term “gonarthrosis” describes the arthrosis of the knee joint. In osteoarthritis, the cartilaginous joint surfaces of the knee joint are affected and worn, which can be seen from the origin of the word. The word “arthros” (Greek) means joint and the final syllable “-ose” stands for non-inflammatory processes or changes in the basic condition. Gonarthrosis is an endpoint of various diseases that lead to progressive damage to the cartilaginous joint surfaces, all of which cause wear (degeneration) of the knee joint.

Risk factors

In gonarthrosis there is progressive wear and tear of joint cartilage. A distinction is made between primary and secondary gonarthrosis. Primary gonarthrosis, also known as idiopathic, occurs independently of other underlying diseases, for example in old age due to age-related wear processes.

Genetic causes are also discussed in the primary development of osteoarthritis. Secondary gonarthrosis is the consequence of traumatic events (cartilage injuries, bone fractures, operations), congenital or acquired malposition and strain on the knees (bow legs and knock-knees) or other underlying diseases. These include metabolic diseases, such as obesity or diabetes mellitus.

But changes in the hormone balance can also lead to the defective build-up or increased degradation of cartilage and bones, such as gout. These different diseases can lead to gonarthrosis, since destroyed cartilage cells cannot regenerate themselves. In addition, the cartilage substance is decomposed by enzymes that are attracted by the destruction of the cartilage cells.

In this context, cartilage loses its most important properties, its strength and elasticity, and loses its thickness and resilience. If the stress on the knee is not reduced under these conditions, changes may occur in the inner joint skin, bones and ligaments. Other changes caused by arthrosis can be detected by imaging procedures such as x-rays or CT.

Frequency distribution

The incidence of osteoarthritis of the knee joint varies between 12 and 55% depending on the age group, but it is one of the most common joint diseases in advanced age.