Using MRI scans to detect osteoarthritis in patients' knees

Rates of osteoarthritis are increasing due to an ageing population and increasing levels of obesity, however, about half of people with knee pain do not show any changes on X-ray. This study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the knees of 710 people over the age of 50 who had no radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. X-rays can show osteophytes (bony outgrowths) and narrowing of the joint space but cannot show damage to soft tissue, such as cartilage and ligaments, which can be seen by MRI.