An anatomicopathological approach to the study of articular aging

Bone and joint aging results from the combined action of various metabolic and mechanical factors. Osteoarticular aging produces primary changes in bone (intrinsic rarefaction, but also extrinsic osteogenesis), cartilage, synovial membrane, and tendon. The association of these primary changes can result basically in three anatomicopathological entities: hyperostosis and osteophytes at tendon insertions, senile remodeling, and osteoarthritic remodeling. Some of these entities are asymptomatic. Others form part of nosologic entities such as osteoarthritis and various types of joint pain and stiffness. The standard methods of morbid anatomy provide a link between clinical findings and modern research methods. By separating nosology and morphology they permit a better analysis of the boundaries and transitions between articular "aging" and "disease". With advancing age, osteoarthritis becomes increasingly frequent but not inevitable.