One of the most common clinical entities seen by a sports medicine physician is knee pain.
One of the most common clinical entities seen by a sports medicine physician is knee pain. In our aging population, the incidence of osteoarthritis is increasing. Many of the cases of knee pain seen in the office are due to osteoarthritis.
Sports physicians are typically charged with reading x-rays in office and must be aware of the signs of osteoarthritis of the knee on a radiograph. Case Question A 65 year old patient comes in with right knee pain for three months. Pain is localized to the medial compartment of the knee.
On examination there is knee crepitus and medial joint line tenderness. Which of the following radiologic findings would you expect to find in a knee with primary osteoarthritis? A) Subchondral sclerosis B) Pellegrini Stieda Sign C) Symmetric joint space narrowing D) Erosions Radiographic Findings Radiographs of the knee should be weight bearing in order to assess for osteoarthritis.
Three views of the knee are typically ordered. These are bilateral AP, lateral, and sunrise view. This allows the provider to evaluate the medial tibiofemoral compartment, lateral tibiofemoral compartment, and patellofemoral joint.
When assessing a knee radiograph for osteoarthritis, physicians should look for sclerosis, osteophytes, and joint space narrowing.Joint space narrowing is also seen with osteoarthritis, but is not specific for degenerative joint disease. Joint space narrowing rarely occurs homogenously across a joint. Cartilage loss is typically found asymmetrically throughout the joint.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to diagnosing osteoarthritis with a knee radiograph, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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