Diagnosis of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis diagnosis is based on the presence of risk factors, clinical symptoms, and investigations. Here, we will see what investigations are necessary and what can we expect.

Investigations that may be required are the following

X-ray of the joint involved in two planesSynovial analysisMRI fluid from the joint

X-rays show the following changes

Decrease space between the bones. This indicates the loss of cartilage. Cartilage is not visible on the shelves x.Calcification increased the bone just below the common space. Seen as being more white bone. Presence of osteophytes. They are regarded as bone spurs.It can consider the bone deformations. They may have caused the joint development of osteoarthritis.

X-ray of the knee are most useful if taken in position standing. Hip x-ray may be taken standing or lying down.

MRI should generally not systematically. They can view the status of the ligaments and cartilage that are not visible on x-ray. They can also be useful for diagnosing early osteoarthritis.

Synovial fluid analysis is also useful in the diagnosis. Liquid synovial normal has the following settings.

The colour is yellowClarity is clearviscosity is highWhite blood cells are less than 200 by microliterProtein is between 1 to 3 grams per deciliterVolume is normally 0.5 ml

In liquid osteoarthritis synovial is usually normal. Sometimes, it may display the following changes.

Viscosity is reducedvolume of liquid is increasedcells may be increased by less than 2000 per microliter

X ray is therefore the main survey for diagnosis of osteoarthritis with clinical features.

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This page was last updated December 1, 2010.

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