|
|
| |
|
|
| |
How Do I Know if I Have Osteoarthritis?
WebMD Medical News
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.
©
WebMD. All rights reserved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Arthroscopy is a surgical technique whereby a
doctor inserts a viewing tube into the joint
space. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
It's
easy to stay up to date on the things that interest you.
Just 
