A four-stations educational model is presented for understanding degenerative joint disorders. Using this model in patient education is supposed to bring maximum benefit from all treatment modalities. It could also be used in medical education to alert physicians to the importance of interventions targeting all the stations of the cycle.
Joint stability is an important part of its function. It depends on the joint integrity, surrounding ligaments, and muscles. The imbalance between the forces involved in the joint function will accelerate its degeneration. The degenerative process involves anatomical arthropathic changes that usually aim at restoring joint stability. These arthropathic changes induce pain and dysfunctions that lead to decreased joint activity leading in turn to weakness and progressive imbalance between the involved forces. This cycle represents a "joint degeneration cycle" model that can be applied to all body joints. Understanding this cycle and the therapeutic targets for every station will provide a holistic approach to patient care.