Early detection of osteoarthritis with imaging

Joint injuries and sprains have been classified as different types of traumatic arthritis, depending on the degree of structural damage to the different tissue components of the articular unit. Distinction needs to be made between different levels of severity of joint injuries. All joint injuries have the potential to set in motion the deleterious events that lead to OA, especially if primary articular cartilage damage has occurred. Ensuing OA is characterised by progressive deterioration of this articular cartilage damage, followed by reactive changes in the joint margin and joint capsule. In addition to primary articular cartilage damage, subchondral bone damage and joint instability resulting from loss of collateral support are also high-risk factors for the development of OA. It is of essential importance, not only that the presence of joint injury is recognised as soon as possible, but also that the severity of the injury is graded as accurately as possible, in order that the appropriate therapeutic steps are taken as early as possible to minimise the risk of developing OA ...