Osteoarthritis. X-ray of the thorarcic spine of a 64 year old man with slight osteoarthritis. The arthritic vertebrae are closer together and have rough and ragged edges. Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease that affects most people over the age of 60. More women than men are severely affected. It causes the cartilage between bones to break down, and also causes osteophytes (bony growths) to develop on the bones. There is no cure, although symptoms can be relieved with painkilling and anti- inflammatory drugs, and physiotherapy.