Laboratory diagnosis of degenerative joint disease.

Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is characterized by pain on use. X-rays show cartilage narrowing and osteophytes. Synovial effusions are non-inflammatory, i.e. clear wiht good viscosity and less than 2000 WBC per mm. 3 Cartilage fragments may be seen in the joint fluid. Important systemic diseases that can cause degenerative joint disease include ochronosis, hemochromatosis, hyperparathyroidism, acromegaly, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, diabetes and syphilis with their neuropathic joints, Wilson's disease and hypothyroidism. The late results of other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and aseptic necrosis may resemble DJD.