It is also called marginal sclerosis.
For severe cases, surgery might be needed.
This article looks at the symptoms and causes of subchondral sclerosis.
ChooChin / Getty Images
It also covers how the condition is diagnosed and treated.
Causes and Risk Factors
Osteoarthritisis a key player in the development of subchondral sclerosis.
Osteoarthritis wears down thecartilagein a joint and wears away at the subchondral bone under the cartilage.
The body tries to repair the damaged bone.
However, having subchondral sclerosis does not necessarily mean your osteoarthritis is severe or will get worse.
It can also happen when there’s a deterioration of joint cartilage.
If the knee, hip, or spine is involved, these changes can actually make a person shorter.
When subchondral sclerosis occurs in the knee, the joint can also sometimes lock and cause trouble walking.
Subchondral sclerosis can also causecyststo form under the cartilage.
It will look abnormally white along the joint line.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)can also be used to look at the soft tissues in the body.
Low-impact physical exercises such as biking on a stationary bike, yoga, and swimming keep your joints active.
It does not mean that your osteoarthritis is getting worse or that it will get worse.
Summary
Subchondral sclerosis is common in people with osteoarthritis but it doesnt mean your arthritis is progressing.
It does mean that there are changes in your bones that may cause pain and problems with your joints.
In severe cases, you might need surgery to replace a joint that is too badly damaged.
2014;22(4):540-6. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2014.01.006.
2013;15(6):223.
