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.
