Yes, DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease) is Arthritis
DJD is simply another name for osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis characterized by joint cartilage degradation and underlying bone changes. 1, 2
What DJD/Osteoarthritis Actually Is
DJD represents failure of the diarthrodial (movable) joint and can result from abnormalities in articular cartilage, underlying bone, synovial membrane, supporting ligaments, or the neuromuscular system 2
The condition is characterized by degradation of articular cartilage and synovial tissues, resulting in morphologic changes in underlying bone 1
Primary (idiopathic) OA is the most common form, typically monoarticular and slowly progressive, most commonly affecting small hand joints, hips, knees, spine, and the great toe's metatarsophalangeal joint 2
Clinical Presentation
Pain on use is the hallmark symptom, along with stiffness, restriction of movement, and crepitus 3, 4
Radiographic features include cartilage narrowing, osteophytes (bone spurs), loss of joint space, subchondral cysts, erosions, and flattening of affected joint surfaces 1, 3
Synovial effusions when present are non-inflammatory: clear with good viscosity and less than 2000 WBC per mm³ 3
Management Approach
Conservative management is first-line treatment and successful in the majority of patients 5, 1:
- Physical therapy focusing on strengthening muscles around affected joints 6
- Pain management with anti-inflammatory medications 4
- Activity modification to reduce mechanical stress 7
- Weight loss for overweight patients to decrease joint loading 6
Avoid arthroscopic surgery for degenerative joint disease, as it does not provide lasting benefit 5, 7
- Multiple high-quality trials show no clinically meaningful benefit over conservative treatment 7
- This applies even when mechanical symptoms like catching or locking are present 7
Critical Pitfall
Do not rush to surgical intervention based solely on imaging findings, as degenerative changes are common age-related findings that typically respond to conservative management 6, 7