The following are common laboratory tests for the diagnosis of
Osteoarthritis.
In blood sedimentation rate test, there is no abnormal changes. The synovial
fluid is often clear and yellowish. White blood cell count is often restricted
within 1.0×109 / L or less, monocytes are mainly seen. Mucin clots are
solid.
There is no obvious abnormalities at the early stage. After a few years, the
patients pose narrowed joint space, which indicates that the articular cartilage
has started to get thinning. In the later stage, there is obvious narrowing in
joint space. Subchondral fracture may have microscopic signs, then there is bone
sclerosis. Finally, the joint edge becomes sharp, with osteophyte formation may
have a weight at the subchondral bone cysts forming a typical bone and joint
disease signs. CT and MRI examination can detect abnormal early changes of
articular cartilage and subchondral bone.
Imaging examination is very important for the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis.
MRI is important. Typical X-ray findings of joint space narrowing, subchondral
bone sclerosis and cystic degeneration, marginal bone joints to form a whole,
the articular surface atrophy, deformation and other relevant sections
subluxation. MRI is helpful for early diagnosis of disease, showing structural
changes of joints such as cartilage, meniscus and other joint structures.
Rheumatoid factors. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial
lymphocytes and plasma cells produce can large amounts of rheumatoid factors,
with IgM, IgG and IgA rheumatoid factors as the most common. Negative rheumatoid
factors which more content, so the determination of the current multi-IgM
rheumatoid factor. Rheumatoid factor negative, does not mean that the disease
does not exist. Because it can be masked by other serum proteins. Or because in
serum is a high affinity binding of the antibody, and not easily detected.
In X-ray examination, ambiguous joint surface can be seen. In the early
stage, the patients have osteoporosis near the joints and soft tissue swelling.
There is bone erosion. In the final stage, articular cartilage can cause
narrowed joint space and fibrosis.
