Arthritis Australia and run community seminars. Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically joints where two or more bones meet. The three most significant – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout – account for more than 95 per cent of cases in Australia. The most common forms of arthritis are: Arthritis-related problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tissue that covers the ends of bones, enabling them to move against each another) and surrounding structures. This can result in joint weakness, instability and deformities that can interfere with the
Septic arthritis maximal in this position. In peri-articular arthritis, pain only occurs when the joint is moved, and the lesion usually lies in one specific area around the joint. The most common joint affected is the knee. Hip, shoulder, wrist, and elbow joints are less commonly affected. Spine, sternoclavicular, and sacroiliac joints can also be involved. The most common cause of arthritis in these joints is intravenous drug use. Usually only one joint is affected. More than one joint can be involved if bacteria are spread through the bloodstream. For those with artificial joint implants, there is a chance of 0.86 to