Radiology Imaging, Diagnostic Imaging, Medical Imaging News, Education, Resources

67 yo F, chronic hand pain
Findings and most likely Dx?


Primary Osteoarthritis

• Images showed many changes of osteoarthritis: joint space loss, osteophyte formation, subchondral cyts and sclerosis. Bony mineralization is normal.
• Involvement of the hands, feet and knees is extremely common (weight-bearing joints). Note “gull-winging” of the DIP’s.
• Generally speaking caused by (1) abnormal forces acting on a normal joint, or (2) normal forces acting on an abnormal joint [e.g. cartilage abnormality].
• Note that decreased chondroitin sulfate with aging causes cartilage degeneration osteoarthritis.