OSTEOARTHRITIS DIAGNOSIS |
|
|
History and physical
examination
The two most important diagnostic clues in the patient's history are
the pattern of joint involvement and the presence or absence of
fever, rash, or other symptoms outside the joints. As part of the
physical examination, the doctor will touch and move the patient's
joint to evaluate swelling, limitations on the range of motion, pain
on movement, and crepitus (a cracking or grinding sound heard during
joint movement).
Diagnostic imaging
There is no laboratory test that is specific for osteoarthritis.
Treatment is usually based on the results of diagnostic imaging. In
patients with Osteoarthritis, x rays may indicate narrowed joint spaces,
abnormal density of the bone, and the presence of subchondral cysts
or bone spurs. The patient's symptoms, however, do not always
correlate with x ray findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
computed tomography scans (CT scans) can be used to determine more
precisely the location and extent of cartilage damage. |
|
|
| OSTEOARTHRITIS RELATED ITEMS |
|
|
|
|
