Osteoarthritis

You are to discuss the incidence and prevalence of the disorder, pathophysiology from an advanced practice perspective, physical assessment and examination, evidence-based treatment plan and patient education, as well as follow up and evaluation to assess the efficacy and outcomes of the evidence-based treatment plan for management of an episodic, acute, and chronic case involving the pathology(s) of osteoarthritis.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Regarded as the most common disorder of the joints in the USA, osteoarthritis (OA) occurs in about 10% of men and 13% in women of more than 60 years of age (Murphy & Helmick, 2012). It is estimated that more than 20 million Americans are affected by the disorder. It is also the main cause of chronic disability for persons more than 70 years of age. With the aging population and the obesity epidemic, it is forecast that the number of people with OA is likely to increase. The etiology of OA is considered to be a product of systemic and local factors interactions. Factors like old age, overweight, and obesity, gender, injury to the knee, use of the joints repetitively, weaknesses of the muscle, bone density, laxity of the joint play significant roles in the development of OA. Any modification of these factors will reduce the risk of OA and stop any consequent pain and possible disability (Murphy & Helmick, 2012). There are three stages of OA etiopathogenesis with the first stage involving the occurrence of the proteolytic breakdown of the cartilage matrix. Stage two of OA sees the development of the fibrillation and erosion of the cartilage. Subsequently, proteoglycan and collagen fragments are released into the synovial fluid. The last stage involves the inducement of a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of the products of cartilage…