The subclinical phase of osteoarthritis

The clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) generally requires x-ray confirmation, fastening upon features such as narrowing of the joint and proliferative changes at the joint margins. In the formative phases, because of simple structural reasons, the joint may well not be narrowed and the proliferative changes and geodes may not as yet be apparent. Even symptomatic joint disease at this time may fail of diagnosis because the customary criteria have not yet been met. I submit that all OA is secondary, the inception being remote in time and, unless dramatic, being forgotten or never even noticed. An understanding of some of the mechanical features that characterize the progression to OA and the mechanism of pathogenesis should lead to earlier diagnosis and possible application of preventive measures.