Which condition is an asymmetrical, non-inflammatory arthritis of weight-bearing joints and spine, without autoimmune features, more common than RA?

• A. Rheumatoid arthritis
• B. Ankylosing spondylitis
• C. Osteoarthritis
• D. Gout

Answer: (C)

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative, non-inflammatory joint disease driven by wear and aging, usually affecting weight-bearing joints and the spine. It causes pain and functional limitation because cartilage wears away and bone changes occur (osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, and joint space narrowing). The pattern is typically asymmetric rather than the symmetrical, autoimmune-like pattern seen in rheumatoid arthritis, and there are no autoimmune features such as systemic symptoms or elevated inflammatory markers. Morning stiffness tends to be brief, and the inflammation that characterizes autoimmune arthritides is absent. This combination of degenerative cartilage loss, weight-bearing and spinal involvement, and a non-inflammatory, often asymmetric presentation makes osteoarthritis the best fit, and it is more common than rheumatoid arthritis. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis presents as a symmetric inflammatory arthritis with autoimmune features; ankylosing spondylitis involves inflammatory spine and sacroiliac disease; gout presents as acute, inflammatory arthritis due to urate crystals.