Assessment of radiographic findings in patients with osteoarthritis of knee

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent conditions resulting to disability particularly in elderly population. Plain radiography remains a mainstay in the diagnosis of OA. Hence; under the light of above mentioned data, the present study was undertaken for assessing radiographic findings in patients with osteoarthritis of knee. Materials and Methods: Present study was conducted on 20 patients with presenting with knee pain and clinical suspicion of osteoarthritis. Detailed radiographic and MR imaging was be done in all subjects. Radiographic examination was done. All radiographs were assigned scores by using the Kellgren-Lawrence scoring system. This summary Kellgren-Lawrence score was based on osteophyte formation, joint space narrowing, sclerosis, and joint deformity characteristics according to the five-level scale defined as follows: grade 0, normal; grade 1, doubtful osteoarthritis; grade 2, minimal osteoarthritis; grade 3, moderate osteoarthritis; or grade 4, severe osteoarthritis. Radiographic findings were compiled as per performa and subjected to analysis using appropriate statistical tests. Results: 20 percent of the patients each showed doubtful and minimal osteoarthritis while the remaining 10 percent of the patients showed moderate osteoarthritis. On MRI examination, no meniscal abnormalities were seen in 25 percent of the patients while Globular intrasubstance abnormalities were seen in 35 percent of the patients. Linear intrasubstance meniscal abnormality was seen in 25 percent of the patients while Tear (displaced/ undisplaced/ complex/ macerated) was seen in 15 percent of the patients. Conclusion: The pathologic changes of pre-radiographic OA can be detected at an earlier stage of the disease through radiographic examination.