Which joint is NOT typically involved in osteoarthritis?

• A. Knee
• B. Hip
• C. Fingers
• D. Shoulder

Answer: (D)

Osteoarthritis tends to affect joints that bear a lot of weight or are subjected to frequent use, leading to cartilage wear and the formation of bone changes. The knee and hip are classic weight-bearing joints that most commonly develop OA, and finger joints are also frequently involved, especially in the hands where small joints wear down with use.

The shoulder, while it can be affected in some cases, is not a typical site for primary osteoarthritis compared with the knee, hip, and finger joints. When shoulder problems arise in older adults, they’re more often due to other conditions like rotator cuff disease or adhesive capsulitis, rather than classic OA.

So, the joint not typically involved is the shoulder.