Degenerative joint disease is not a specific disease, but a clinical manifestation. It is a clinical condition in which the joint ages and degenerates due to a variety of factors, resulting in osteophytes, ligamentous laxity and joint instability.
Many diseases are associated with degenerative joint disease, most commonly osteoarthritis. It is often clinically asymptomatic, and some patients may present with symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness and impaired mobility.