By age 40, many people have some evidence of osteoarthritis on X-rays.
About 80% of people 55 and older have X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis and approximately 60% develop symptoms.
X-rays of osteoarthritis do not detect earlycartilageabnormalities.
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There are certain X-ray findings that can help doctors and radiologists formulate impressions and diagnose osteoarthritis.
The findings include the following.
Joint Space Narrowing
Osteoarthritis causes deterioration of the joint structures.
Progressively smaller joint space suggests worsening of osteoarthritis.
Joint space loss is usually not uniform within the joint.
“Bone-on-bone” suggests there is no joint space left.
Development of Osteophytes
Osteophytes, also called bone spurs, are protrusions of bone and cartilage.
The bony projections are commonly seen in areas of a degenerating joint and can be seen on X-rays.
Osteophytes are the most specific X-ray marker of osteoarthritis.
Subchondral Sclerosis
Subchondral bone is the layer of bone just below the cartilage.
Subchondral Cyst Formation
Subchondral cystsare fluid-filled sacs which extrude from the joint.
The cysts contain thickened joint material, mostly hyaluronic acid.
Traumatized subchondral bone undergoes cystic degeneration.
Subluxation
Subluxationcan also be seen on X-ray as a possible consequence of osteoarthritis.
Subluxation is a partial dislocation of a bone.
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