Imaging in Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent form of arthritis with major implications on both individual and public health care levels. The field of joint imaging, and particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has evolved rapidly due to the application of technical advances to the field of clinical research. This narrative review will provide an introduction to the different aspects of OA imaging aimed at an audience of scientists, clinicians, students, industry employees, and others who are interested in OA but who do not necessarily focus on OA. The current role of radiography and recent advances in measuring joint space width will be discussed. The status of cartilage morphology assessment and evaluation of cartilage biochemical composition will be presented. Advances in quantitative three-dimensional morphologic cartilage assessment and semi-quantitative whole-organ assessment of OA will be reviewed. Although MRI has evolved as the most important imaging method used in OA research, other modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and metabolic imaging play a complementary role and will also be discussed. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Osteoarthritis Research Society International.

Automated summary

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis with significant impact on individual and public health. The field of joint imaging, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has rapidly evolved thanks to technological advancements in clinical research. This narrative review provides an overview of various aspects of OA imaging, including measurement of joint space width, assessment of cartilage morphology, quantification of OA through three-dimensional morphologic assessment, and the role of complementary imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, and metabolic imaging.