Osteoarthritis is usually diagnosed after your doctor has taken
a careful history of your symptoms. A physical exam will be
done. There are no definitive lab blood tests to make an
absolute diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Certain tests,
specifically x-rays of the joint, may confirm your doctor’s
impression that you have developed osteoarthritis. X-ray
examination of an affected joint —A joint with osteoarthritis
will have lost some of the normal space that exists between the
bones. This space is called the joint space. This joint space is
made up of articular cartilage, which becomes thin. There may be
tiny new bits of bone (bone spurs) visible at the end of the
bones. Other signs of joint and bone deterioration may also be
present. X-rays , however, may not show very much in the earlier
stages of osteoarthritis, even when you are clearly experiencing
symptoms. Arthrocentesis —Using a thin needle, your doctor may
remove a small amount of joint fluid from an affected joint. The
fluid can be examined in a lab to m