Osteoarthritis: a review of old myths and current concepts

Radiology is dependent on an accurate understanding of the pathological process. This review of primary osteoarthritis identifies eight areas in which widely held concepts are either demonstrably false or fall short of proof. In some, the concepts have been disproved by the gradual accumulation of evidence. In others, the error is due to radiological misinterpretation while in a third group, the evidence is not in dispute, but the logical framework used in its assessment is flawed. Awareness of these deficiencies simplifies radiological interpretation and clarifies research objectives.