The Osteoarthritis Diagnosis

Physicians make a diagnosis of osteoarthritis based on a physical exam and history of symptoms. There is no single test that can tell you for sure that you have osteoarthritis. Bone Radiography or X-rays are used to confirm diagnosis. Almost all people over the age of 60 will show some form of osteoarthritis degeneration on an X-ray, and about one third reflect actual symptoms. However, severe osteoporosis is visible only on regular x-rays. The other option is to do bone density determination (to detect early loss of bone density) on special equipment.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis: What is Bone Radiography?
Radiography, known to most people as x-ray, is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. X-ray images can be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. It’s the fastest and the easiest way for physicians to view and assess broken bones. These days, radiologists have also developed alternative imaging methods that do not rely on radiation, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Modern state-of-the-art x-ray systems (such as mammography systems, angiographic equipment and CT scanners) use very tightly controlled x-ray beams with significant filtration and dose control methods to minimize radiation exposure.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis: What Does X-Ray Equipment Look Like?
Radiography equipment consists of a large, flat table with a drawer that holds an x-ray film cassette into which a film is placed. Suspended above the table is an apparatus that holds the x-ray tube, which can be moved over the body to direct the x-ray. The x-ray passes directly through the body and is absorbed by denser objects like bone. The x-ray film reacts to the x-ray and produces an image based on how much was absorbed or passed through the body.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis: How Does the Procedure Work?
Operating cautiously, the technologist exposes a part of the patient’s body to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of the internal organs. When x-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed in varying amounts by different part of the anatomy. Ribs, for example, will absorb much of the radiation and, therefore, appear white or light gray on the image. Soft tissue such as the liver or lungs will appear darker because it absorbs less radiation. Broken bones or malignancies in the bone are also easily detected. Osteoarthritis is picked up as a difference in the consistency of the cartilage, or presence of floating cartilage or bone spurs in the joint. Empty spaces appear black on x-rays.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis: What Are the Limitations of Bone Radiography?
While x-rays provide the clearest, most detailed views of bone, the information that it provides about soft tissues is not so revealing. An MRI is often more useful in detecting the so-called bone bruises. Other imaging modalities, such as position emission tomogaphy (PET) bone scans or CT scans are also effective in diagnosing bony metastases or primary bone tumors. Likewise, ultrasound i.e. using sound waves instead of ionizing radiation has also been found useful in detecting injuries around joints, osteoarthritis and in evaluating congenital hip dysplasia in pets.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis: Lab Tests
The majority of lab tests are performed on blood because it is easily and safely sampled. It holds many microscopic clues to what's going on throughout the body. Other tests may require urine, joint fluid or event small pieces of skin or muscle. Besides diagnosis, lab tests are also conducted to monitor disease severity and medication response. They also check a drug’s side effects, if any.

Osteoarthritis Diagnosis: Your Doctor's Informed Judgment
Your doctor will evaluate you for osteoarthritis based on many factors, which may or may not include x-rays. Bone creaking, general pain, your overall age and health are important clues for your doctor to make, buy only x-rays will deliver convicting evidence that confirms osteoarthritis for sure. That said, most people over the age of 60 with common symptoms of osteoarthritis may with to avoid additional exposure to radiation if they and their doctor are in agreement over a diagnose of osteoarthritis, and your doctor has ruled out other factors.

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