Osteoarthritis: Causes in younger adults?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. When the cause of osteoporosis isn't known, it is referred to as primary osteoarthritis. Primary osteoporosis usually occurs in older adults. When osteoarthritis occurs in younger adults, it may be due to an underlying condition. Osteoarthritis caused by an underlying condition is referred to as secondary osteoarthritis.

Conditions that may lead to 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.