Nathaniel Stewart, MD

Definition of Degenerative Joint Disease

A degeneration or ‘wear and tear’ of articular (joint surface) cartilage usually accompanied by an overgrowth of bone (osteophytes), narrowing of the joint space, sclerosis or hardening of bone at the joint surface, and deformity in joints. OA is not usually associated with inflammation, although swelling of the joint does frequently occur in OA. This type of arthritis is called osteoarthritis, OA, degenerative joint disease, DJD, or osteoarthrosis. Other forms of arthritis (rheumatoid, post-traumatic, and other inflammatory disorders) frequently may have OA as the end-stage, making differentiation difficult.