Pathogenesis of osteoarthritis

Both systemic and local biomechanical factors contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. Damage to the menisci and ligament tears alter joint mechanics. Along with synovial and periarticular fat pad inflammation, these biomechanical changes also produce systemic inflammatory factors, including cytokines, chemokines, and MMPs that promote joint tissue destruction. Please refer to related UpToDate content for further details.