Radiographic features that are assessed in the evaluation of arthritis

What are the radiographic features that are assessed in the evaluation of arthritis?

A common technique of radiographic interpretation includes evaluation of the “ABCDs” of arthritis.

  • • lignment of joints is assessed, including presence of subluxations and dislocations.
  • • ones are carefully assessed for changes in mineralization, presence of erosions, and presence of new bone production (subchondral sclerosis, osteophytes, periostitis).
  • • artilage is indirectly evaluated on radiographs. Joint space narrowing and subchondral bony changes imply presence of cartilage disease.
  • • istribution (proximal vs. distal, symmetry, involvement of specific joints, regions affected within a joint) of the disease process is assessed to better characterize the specific underlying disease process.
  • • oft tissues are evaluated for presence and pattern of swelling and for presence of calcifications.
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