Measuring the Progression of Osteoarthritis
X-ray images can detect joint space narrowing.
The ends of the bones in a joint are covered by articular cartilage.
The articular cartilage serves as the cushion and shock absorber within the joint.
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A weight-bearingX-rayis taken to look for joint space narrowing in the hips and knees.
Inosteoarthritis, the joint space narrowing is usually asymmetric.
While joint space narrowing is often the first step during arthritis diagnosis, it is just an indication.
Joint space narrowing has a different meaning and shows up at different times in various types of arthritis.
Narrowing joint space indicates cartilage loss and worsening osteoarthritis.
However, meniscal damage also contributes to joint space narrowing.
It measures the progression of osteoarthritis in the joints on a five-point scale.
Kellgren-Lawrence Grading Scale
This system remains in use and is based on weight-bearing X-rays.
Weight-bearing X-rays may be used to grade in a clinical setting and to predict disease progression.
A Word From Verywell
There are no medications that impact osteoarthritis progression at this time.
The development of DMOADS (disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs) has been disappointing, to say the least.
There are proinflammatory factors and proteases involved in joint tissue destruction associated with osteoarthritis.
The articular cartilage protects the patella and helps it glide freely over the knee joint.
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