The femoral head shown here has markedly eroded articular cartilage, consistent with a chronic, degenerative osteoarthritis. This condition is most likely to affect larger, weight-bearing joints, but can also be seen in smaller joints of the hands or feet. There may be just a single joint involved, or several, but not typically in a symmetrical pattern. Older persons are often affected, but osteoarthritis is not strictly an aging phenomenon. Congenital joint deformities, joint trauma, or underlying problems such as hemochromatosis, diabetes mellitus, or obesity can also contribute to the development of degenerative joint disease. Inflammation is minimal. Pain worsens with use.
| Our winner is: Kimberly Ann Gibson of San Francisco, California, USA
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