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Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis - Diagnosis

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

If a patient exhibits symptoms of osteoarthritis, the doctor can confirm the diagnosis via a typical symptom profile and physical examination. X-rays can sometimes assist doctors in making a diagnosis.

Very occasionally, additional tests and procedures may be needed, mainly to exclude other possibilities of joint problems:

  • Joint aspiration - may be carried out to obtain a sample of the fluid in the joint, mainly excluding diagnosis of gout or cancerous conditions in the joint.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - may be used to get a better picture of the condition of the different structures inside the joint.

Osteoarthritis - Preparing for surgery

Osteoarthritis - Post-surgery care

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