PCL 09- Complications and Prognosis of Osteoarthritis- Alan

Complications:
Physical:
- Limits on daily activities and occupation
o Due to decreased mobility
o Can lead to disability (rare)
- Muscle inactivity
- Genu varum (bow-leggedness)
- Genu valgum (knock knees)
o Knees prone to injury
Mental
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Feelings of helplessness
- Loss of everyday family joy and responsibilities

Prognosis
- Progressive worsening of osteoarthritis at the affected joint/s
o Though the disease can be stabilised
- No cure, different treatments can be undertaken but will only alleviate symptoms
- If positive attitude is maintained, patients tend to have better outcomes

Reference
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000423.htm
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068795