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 in 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, the presence of Heberden's nodes,
Bouchard's nodes, and bunions of the feet can indicate to the
doctor a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Next: What is the treatment for osteoarthritis? »
- acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others - Describes the medication acetaminophen (Tylenol) a drug used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- Cortisone Injection - Read about cortisone injection treatment for inflammation, allergic reaction, sciatica and arthritis. Learn about side effects and complications of a cortisone shot.
- Lower Back Pain - Get information on causes of lower back pain (arthritis, pregnancy, herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, endometriosis, ovarian cysts), includes back pain treatment and diagnosis.
Latest Medical News
Arthritis RSS