How does the taking of x-rays help in the diagnosis of arthritis?
A. There are a number of different types of x-ray abnormalities in arthritic conditions. First of all, rheumatologists look for any joint space narrowing where two bones meet at the joint space. Although you cannot actually see cartilage on a plain x-ray, the fact that the joint space has narrowed implies a loss of the cartilage that covers the ends of each bone. In the case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, we are also looking for any small erosions of bone, which may occur generally at the margins (sides of the joint). One can see evidence of bone cysts as well on the x-rays. In the case of osteoarthritis, we are looking for joint space narrowing, but also for the evidence of spurs or osteophytes at the corners of the joints. There also may be some “whitening” of the ends of bones called sclerosis. In ankylosing spondylitis, x-rays of the spine may reveal evidence of calcium depositing in the ligaments that join the vertebrae together. Also there may be changes found at the sac
