The ageing joint

Musculoskeletal function

As people age their joints accumulate damage and structural disruption. Everything becomes weaker and more vulnerable to injury. The fibrous rings between the bony vertebrae of the spine collapse, causing loss of height. The substance at the center of this ring may leak out of position (slipped disc / disc prolapse). Ligaments and tendons become stiff and calcified.

In serious cases, the joints become inflamed and this is known as osteoarthritis. Bone fragments and bony spurs accumulate in joint spaces. This can cause locking of joints and deformity.  There is a gradual loss of mobility and perhaps worst of all, there is often chronic pain. It is more common with a history of heavy strain on the joints or injuries. Certain genes contribute to the process and it can run in families.

Joint replacements have helped to alleviate dysfunction and pain, but they often fail to completely resolve pain. Successful replacement is not guaranteed, and the prostheses can migrate from their proper location. They are also more prone to infections than natural tissue since the body struggles to clean bacteria from the material.