Exams and Tests

• Imaging
  
  
  • X-rays: Approximately a third of people with osteoarthritis on x-rays have symptoms such as pain or swelling. X-rays can show narrowing of the space between the joint (articular surface), osteophytes, cyst formation, and hardening of the underlying bone. Scoring systems have been used by doctors to assess the extent of the bony changes on x-rays. Separate scoring systems for the different joints have been studied and found to be predictive of disease status. An important finding from these studies was that the presence of osteoarthritis of the hands was a predictive sign of deterioration of the knee joint. In other words, people with finger joint osteoarthritis were more at risk to show a rapid progression of their knee.
    
    
  • MRI: This study is a complex, noninvasive imaging technique that is unlike x-rays. X-rays provide information mainly on bones. However, MRI is capable of visualizing all structures within the joint. MRI technology is sophisticated and requires an expert to interpret the study.
    
    
  • CT scan: This study may be used to image a joint. CT scanning mainly provides information on the bony structures of the joint but in greater detail than plain x-rays.
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• Joint fluid analysis: Fluid may be drawn from the knee with a needle in cases in which the diagnosis is uncertain or if an infection is suspected.
  
  
• Blood tests: No currently accepted blood test or marker for this disease exists. Blood tests may be drawn in cases in which infection is suspected.

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Osteoarthritis - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

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The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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