Bone-on-bone contact that results in joint pain and stiffness is known as?

The condition characterized by bone-on-bone contact in joints leading to pain and stiffness is known as osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time, leading to direct contact between the bones. This wear and tear can result in inflammation, pain, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion in the affected joints.

Osteoarthritis is usually associated with aging and is the most common form of arthritis. It often affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and spine, but can also impact smaller joints. The symptoms can become progressively worse, making movement increasingly difficult for individuals as the disease progresses.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects joints symmetrically and can cause significant joint destruction, while osteoporosis refers to a decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of fractures without the specific joint pain seen in osteoarthritis. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, but it does not primarily involve bone-on-bone contact. Therefore, osteoarthritis is the most accurate term for the described condition.