Osteoarthritis and MR imaging

Although osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease affecting millions of Americans, OA treatment is difficult to monitor because of the lack of consistent, objective disease standards. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of OA, with particular emphasis on the role of magnetic resonance (MR) in imaging the disease. After completing this article, readers will be able to: List the known risk factors for OA. Discuss normal and abnormal joint anatomy and physiology. Recognize OA symptoms. Describe diagnostic criteria for OA. Discuss the appearance of articular joint structures on MR. Explain the nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatment of OA. Discuss the role of MR in OA research.