Osteoarthritis--an arthritis?

Histopathological examinations were carried out on synovial tissues obtained in 74 cases of primary osteoarthritis. The changes observed in the synovial membrane were quantified, and their percentile incidence was compared with that in rheumatoid arthritis. Survey revealed that all histopathological features, considered as manifestations of inflammation, were observed in osteoarthritis too; some features occurred with equal frequency, others with lesser frequency, and others with substantially lesser frequency. In view of the unequivocally pathogenetic start of this joint disease with degeneration of the articular cartilage the prefix of chondrosis is indicated for characterization of this disease, and in view of the undeniably inflammatory changes of the synovial membrane followed by involvement of all articular components the suffix of arthritis is indicated. Thus the designation of chondrosarthritis for "osteoarthritis" or "arthrosis" appears more descriptive and appropriate.