Which of the following is NOT a hallmark of osteoarthritis seen on X-ray?

Which of the following is NOT a hallmark of osteoarthritis seen on X-ray?

• A. Osteophytes
• B. Subchondral cysts
• C. Joint space narrowing
• D. Soft tissue swelling

Answer: (D)

Osteoarthritis on X-ray is characterized by changes in the bone and cartilage at the joint rather than soft tissues alone. The hallmark features are osteophytes (bone spurs at the joint margins), joint space narrowing from cartilage loss, subchondral sclerosis (increased bone density just under the cartilage), and subchondral cysts. Soft tissue swelling, while it can occur with joint problems, is not a defining radiographic sign of OA and is more typical of inflammatory arthritis or acute injuries. Thus soft tissue swelling does not represent a hallmark finding of osteoarthritis on X-ray.

Osteoarthritis on X-ray is characterized by changes in the bone and cartilage at the joint rather than soft tissues alone. The hallmark features are osteophytes (bone spurs at the joint margins), joint space narrowing from cartilage loss, subchondral sclerosis (increased bone density just under the cartilage), and subchondral cysts. Soft tissue swelling, while it can occur with joint problems, is not a defining radiographic sign of OA and is more typical of inflammatory arthritis or acute injuries. Thus soft tissue swelling does not represent a hallmark finding of osteoarthritis on X-ray.