1. ARTHRITIS
A number of diseases that result in the destruction of articular cartilage.

3. Three of the Most Common Forms of Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Gouty Arthritis

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks itself. The pattern of joints affected is usually symmetrical, involves the hands and other joints, and is worse in the morning. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic (body-wide) disease, involving other body organs, whereas osteoarthritis is limited to the joints. Both forms of arthritis can be crippling.
The disease process leading to rheumatoid arthritis begins in the synovium, the membrane that surrounds a joint and creates a protective sac.
This sac is filled with lubricating liquid called the synovial fluid. In addition to cushioning joints, this fluid supplies nutrients and oxygen to cartilage, a slippery tissue that coats the ends of bones.
Cartilage is composed primarily of collagen, the structural protein in the body, which forms a mesh to give support and flexibility to joints.
In rheumatoid arthritis, an abnormal immune system produces destructive molecules that cause continuous inflammation of the synovium. Collagen is gradually destroyed, narrowing the joint space and eventually damaging bone.
If the disease develops into a form called progressive rheumatoid arthritis, destruction to the cartilage accelerates. Fluid and immune system cells accumulate in the synovium to produce a pannus, a growth composed of thickened synovial tissue.
The pannus produces more enzymes that destroy nearby cartilage, aggravating the area and attracting more inflammatory white cells, thereby perpetuating the process.
Click the icon to see an image of rheumatoid arthritis.
Causes
The Immune Response and Inflammatory Process
When an injury or an infection occurs, white blood cells are mobilized to rid the body of any foreign proteins, such as a virus.
The masses of blood cells that gather at the injured or infected site produce factors to repair wounds, clot the blood, and fight any infections.
In the process the surrounding area becomes inflamed and some healthy tissue is injured. The immune system is then called upon to repair wounds by clotting off any bleeding blood vessel and initiating fiber-like patches to the tissue.
Under normal conditions, the immune system has other special factors that control and limit this inflammatory process.

8. See video clip

10. See video clip Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common age-related impairment that can cause pain and physical disability. The knee is the most frequently involved joint associated with disability. OA is associated with substantial individual and societal costs. This disease occurs worldwide, and is a major cause of pain and disability in the elderly. The pathomechanics of this disease are not well understood, nor are the causes for it to progress more rapidly in some individuals than others. However, the mechanical environment of the knee joint plays a critical role.
The aim of my research is to examine the mechanical factors of knee osteoarthritis, so that we may better understand the causes of this disease and are able to provide effective treatments to slow or stop disease progression.
See video clip

12. See video clip