Osteoarthritis (cont.)
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
There is no blood test for the
diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Blood tests
are performed to exclude diseases that can cause secondary
osteoarthritis,
as well as to exclude other arthritis conditions that can mimic
osteoarthritis.
X-rays of the affected joints can suggest osteoarthritis. The
common
x-ray findings of
osteoarthritis include loss of joint cartilage, narrowing of the joint space
between adjacent bones, and bone spur formation. Simple x-ray testing can be
very helpful to exclude other causes of pain in a particular joint as well as
assist the decision-making as to when surgical intervention should be considered.
Arthrocentesis is often performed in the doctor's office.
During
arthrocentesis, a sterile needle is used to remove joint fluid
for
analysis. Joint fluid analysis is useful in excluding gout,
infection, and
other causes of arthritis. Removal of joint fluid and injection
of
corticosteroids into the joints during arthrocentesis can help
relieve
pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Arthroscopy is a surgical technique whereby a doctor inserts a
viewing
tube into the joint space. Abnormalities of and damage to the
cartilage
and ligaments can be detected and sometimes repaired through the
arthroscope. If
successful, patients can recover from the arthroscopic
surgery much more quickly than from open joint surgery.
Finally, a careful analysis of the location, duration,
and character of the joint symptoms and the appearance of the joints helps the
doctor in diagnosing osteoarthritis. Bony enlargement of the joints from spur
formations is characteristic of osteoarthritis. Therefore, Heberden's nodes,
Bouchard's nodes, and bunions of the feet can help the
doctor make
a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Next: What is the treatment for osteoarthritis? »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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Last Editorial Review: 8/3/2007
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