What is the typical joint involvement in osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, leading to pain and stiffness. The typical joint involvement in osteoarthritis primarily includes weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips. This is due to the high levels of mechanical stress these joints endure over time, which contributes to the wear and tear characteristic of osteoarthritis.

In contrast to other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which tends to affect joints symmetrically and can involve smaller joints of the hands and feet, osteoarthritis often presents asymmetrically with a preference for larger, weight-bearing joints. The upper spine can be affected, but it is not a defining feature of this condition, and it notably does not limit itself to just the upper spine.

By focusing on the weight-bearing nature of the affected joints in osteoarthritis, one understands why the knee and hip are commonly associated with this degenerative disease, highlighting the importance of mechanical stress in its pathogenesis.