Imaging of osteoarthritis of the peripheral joints

摘要: Pain and loss of function are the clinical signs osteoarthritis (OA). Conventional x-rays confirm diagnosis or provide important hints for differential diagnosis. In natural course OA, performed at longer intervals when pain increases therapy is without effect, especially if more invasive therapies, even surgery, becomes necessary. The advantages worldwide availability, cost effectiveness, very long experience with this imaging method possibility storing images periods time. typical findings OA can be detected only roughly by quantitative methods. many patients, grading does not correlate well symptoms. X-ray changes part American College Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria hand, hip knee. Ordinary s-rays depicting bone a higher local resolution than any other technique. Soft tissues cartilage visualized indirectly. ultrasound to depict intra-articular effusion an early stage. Osteophytes degree synovitis also visible. Concomitant in tendons, bursae cartilage, such as structures hip, shoulder knee, evaluated. MRI appropriate tool describing volume concomitant soft-tissue alterations. For qualitative imaging, has, date, been fully validated. Bone scans (bone scintigraphy) allow differentiation inflammatory from degenerative joint affections may add information on activity subchondral bone, which develop prognostic marker OA. This survey represents recommendations Commission "Imaging Techniques" German Society regarding technical individual conditions, indications, practical guidance