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Complications of Osteoarthritis

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Topic Overview

Most people find osteoarthritis to be a nuisance that eventually becomes significant enough to affect their daily activities. And sometimes there are more serious complications.

Possible complications of osteoarthritis include:

Recommended Related to Osteoarthritis

WebMD's 10 Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Osteoarthritis

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Read the WebMD's 10 Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Osteoarthritis article > >

Rapid, complete breakdown of cartilage resulting in loose tissue material in the joint (chondrolysis).
Bone death (osteonecrosis).
Stress fractures (hairline crack in the bone that develops gradually in response to repeated injury or stress).
Bleeding inside the joint.
Infection in the joint.
Deterioration or rupture of the tendons and ligaments around the joint, leading to loss of stability.
Pinched nerve (in osteoarthritis of the spine).

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 08, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.