Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: comparison
| Osteoarthritis | Rheumatoid arthritis | |
|---|---|---|
| Aetiology | Mechanical - wear & tear*
| Autoimmune |
| Gender | Similar incidence in men and women | More common in women |
| Age | Seen most commonly in the elderly | Seen in adults of all ages |
| Typical affected joints | Large weight bearing joints (hip, knee) Carpometacarpal joint DIP, PIP joints | MCP, PIP joints |
| Typical history | Pain following use, improves with rest Unilateral symptoms No systemic upset | Morning stiffness, improves with use Bilateral symptoms Systemic upset |
| X-ray findings | Loss of joint space Subchondral sclerosis Subchondral cysts Osteophytes forming at joint margins | Loss of joint space Juxta-articular osteoporosis Periarticular erosions Subluxation |
*it is sometimes better to use the term 'wear & repair' to patients