Which disorder is recognized as a degenerative joint disease?

Osteoarthritis is indeed recognized as a degenerative joint disease. This condition is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints over time, which leads to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. As the cartilage wears away, the bones may rub against each other, causing inflammation and further degeneration, which is a hallmark of degenerative diseases.

The primary risk factors for osteoarthritis include aging, obesity, joint injury, and genetic predisposition, making it particularly common in older adults. This disease typically affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, but can also impact the hands and other areas. The progressive nature of osteoarthritis leads to increased disability and reduced quality of life as it advances.

In contrast, the other conditions listed are classified differently. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints and involves systemic inflammation rather than degeneration alone. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and is characterized by inflammation leading to fusion of the vertebrae. Osteomyelitis refers to an infection in the bone, rather than a degenerative process of the joints. Each of these conditions has distinct underlying mechanisms and clinical presentations that differentiate them from osteoarthritis.