Secondary osteoarthritis: What are the causes?

In most cases, the cause of osteoarthritis isn't known. This is referred to as primary osteoarthritis. Primary osteoarthritis is most prevalent in middle-aged and older adults. When osteoarthritis occurs in younger adults, it may be due to an underlying condition. This is called secondary osteoarthritis. Causes of secondary osteoarthritis include:

• Metabolic disorders that damage cartilage, such as hemochromatosis and ochronosis
• Prior joint injury or surgery
• Prior avascular necrosis, a temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to bone
• Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, such as Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and congenital hip dislocation
• Hypermobility disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• Chronic joint inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Prior joint infection (septic arthritis)

Treatment of secondary osteoarthritis is directed at the underlying cause when possible. However, treatment may not repair joint damage from osteoarthritis.