CASE REPORT: GENERALIZED ARTHROSIS WITH LUMBAR AND HANDS AFFECTATION IN AN ELDERLY PATIENT, SUCRE, BOLIVIA, 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by pain, stiffness, and functional limitation, with progressive structural changes such as cartilage loss, osteophytes, and subchondral changes. Its prevalence increases with age and is one of the leading causes of disability in older adults.

Case report from a private practice: A 70-year-old male resident of Sucre, retired, presented to our consultation (2025) with chronic low back pain ofmore than three years’ duration and pain in the distal interphalangeal joints of one year’s duration. Physical examination revealed Heberden’s nodes in both hands and mechanical pain in the lumbar spine. Complementary tests revealed hypertriglyceridemia and lumbosacral spine X-rays showed osteophytes and interarticular impingement at L5-S1. These findings, together with the clinical manifestations, confirmed the diagnosis of generalized osteoarthritis with lumbar and hand involvement.

Conclusion: A comprehensive approach to osteoarthritis should combine nonphar- macological measures—education, physi- cal therapy, weight control, and adapted exercises—with individualized pharmaco- logical treatment for pain, also considering metabolic factors. This approach improves function, slows disease progression, and optimizes the patient’s quality of life.