Of all the forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common. An estimated 27 million U.S. adults have clinical osteoarthritis (1). Since the 1950s, the presence of osteoarthritis has been principally defined by its radio-graphic hallmarks, as articulated by Kellgren and Lawrence (2), who described the presence of an osteophyte (spur), joint space narrowing, subchondral cyst, and eburnation (or bony sclerosis) as key radiographic features of the disease. Although these radiographic findings continue to guide clinical evaluation of the patient presenting with joint pain, a diagnosis of osteoarthritis needs to take into account the clinical context, comorbid conditions, and functional capacity of the affected person.
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