What medical condition is characterized by the inflammation or deterioration of joints?

The medical condition characterized by the inflammation or deterioration of joints is arthritis. This term encompasses a wide range of disorders that affect the joints, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Arthritis can result from various causes, including wear and tear on the joints, autoimmune responses, or underlying medical conditions.

Osteoporosis, while related to bone health, primarily involves the loss of bone density, increasing the risk of fractures but not directly causing inflammation or deterioration of joints. Rheumatism is a broader term historically used to describe various conditions causing pain in the joints or tissues, but it is not a specific diagnosis like arthritis. Tendonitis specifically concerns inflammation of the tendons, which attach muscles to bones, rather than the joints themselves. Therefore, arthritis is the most accurate choice for a condition focused on joint inflammation and deterioration.