Osteoarthritis is the progressive deterioration of a joint secondary to either trauma or “wear and tear.” It usually occurs in older people who have placed excessive stresses on their large weight-bearing areas (hips, knees and spine). It can occur where stress and strain add to increased joint forces, e.g., occupations demanding heavy lifting. The osteoarthritic process will cause loss of the joint space and so less motion can be completed.
Osteoarthritis medical expert witness specialties include orthopaedic surgery, hand surgery, foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery, rheumatology, orthopaedic trauma, geriatric medicine, orthopaedic spine surgery, and neurosurgery.