Atlas of individual radiographic features in osteoarthritis.

Radiographs of the hand, hip and knee were screened for evidence of osteoarthritis (OA). Specific sites selected for screening on the postero-anterior radiographs of the hand included the base of the thumb with distal and proximal interphalangeal joints; these regions were examined for formation of marginal osteophytes, joint space narrowing and subchondral lucency. Sites selected from antero-posterior radiographs of the hip included the acetabular and femoral portions of the joint; these regions were examined for joint space narrowing, subchondral lucency, marginal osteophytes and subchondral sclerosis. Sites selected from antero-posterior weight-bearing radiographs of the knee included distal femora and proximal tibiae including the medial and lateral compartments; these regions were examined for joint space narrowing, marginal osteophytes and subchondral sclerosis. Sites selected from axial views of the patellofemoral joint examined the medial and lateral portions; these regions were examined for joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subluxations and subchondral sclerosis. A set of photographic prints was made from the collection of radiographs. These specific features of OA were graded on each print and a subset of prints was selected that best demonstrated the spectrum of severity for each feature of OA. This resultant atlas is offered as an updated guide to standardize interpretation of radiographs prior to and during clinical trials.