Joint pain, loss of flexibility, stiffness, and tenderness can all be signs of osteoarthritis — a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time, leaving you with pain and reduced joint function that can worsen without treatment. While there is no cure, symptoms can be managed and progression slowed, ideally with an early diagnosis. An Osteoarthritis X-Ray is a fast and effective way to confirm the condition and get you started on a treatment plan.
An Osteoarthritis X-Ray involves taking a series of images of your affected joints. Like any other X-Ray, radiation passes through your body and hits a detector on the other side, converting the radiation into an image. When reviewing an osteoarthritis X-Ray, your doctor will look for the following indicators:
* Loss of joint space
Where cartilage wears away, reducing the space between the joints.
* Osteophyte (bone spur) formation
Extra bits of bone that form around joints, often felt as hard lumps.
* Subchondral sclerosis
Thickening and hardening of the bone below the cartilage, typically occurring in later stages of osteoarthritis.
* Cyst formation
Small cysts that can form underneath the cartilage, ranging in size from a pinhead to a cherry.
An Osteoarthritis X-Ray is recommended as a fast way to identify changes to your joint space. You may be referred for one if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: swelling from soft tissue inflammation around the joint; hard lumps forming around the joints; a grating, popping, or crackling sensation when using the joint; loss of flexibility and reduced range of motion; tenderness when light pressure is applied near or on the joint; stiffness upon waking or after a period of inactivity; or pain in the joints during or after movement.
Patients with persistent symptoms are often referred to confirm a diagnosis and access a treatment plan. Those with milder, intermittent symptoms may also be referred for an X-Ray.
Very little preparation is required. You can eat, drink, and take your medications as normal beforehand. If a contrast agent is being used, you will be advised to avoid eating and drinking for a few hours before the scan and may need to pause certain medications — your team will provide guidance in advance if this applies.
On the day, wear loose, comfortable clothing that can be adjusted easily during the scan. Avoid clothing with metal fastenings such as zips, and remove all jewellery before your appointment.
X-Rays are not recommended during pregnancy unless it is an emergency — speak to your doctor beforehand if this applies to you.
On arrival, you will be checked in and provided with a space to change if needed. Depending on the area being imaged, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Remove all jewellery and metal items before entering the scan room, and bring only what you need to help speed up the process.
You will then be taken to the X-Ray room and positioned depending on the joints being scanned — you may be asked to stand or lie down and hold certain positions. The technician will move behind a screen or into an adjacent room to operate the machine. You may be asked to adjust your position or briefly hold your breath to help capture the clearest possible images.
After the scan, you are generally free to leave immediately and can continue your normal activities without any aftercare. If a contrast X-Ray was used, you may experience some temporary side effects such as blurry vision, nausea, or changes in bowel habits — these will pass within a few hours to days, and you will be informed of them before your appointment so you can arrange transport home if needed.
Results will be reviewed before being shared with you. You will either be invited back for an appointment or contacted by phone with your results as quickly as possible.
Non-invasive
Osteoarthritis can be identified without the need for biopsies, lengthy scans, or surgery.
Shows changes to joint space
Helps monitor osteoarthritis progression and informs pain relief and symptom management strategies.
Quick
The scan takes only a matter of minutes, allowing for a rapid diagnosis.
Provides a confirmed diagnosis
In most cases, osteoarthritis can be confirmed without further testing, allowing you to begin a treatment plan with your doctor promptly.
The risks associated with an Osteoarthritis X-Ray are very small. You will be exposed to a minimal amount of radiation during the scan — lasting no more than a second — which is comparable to a few days to years of natural background radiation depending on the duration of the X-Ray. There is a slight theoretical risk of radiation-related effects years or decades later, though this risk is considered minimal and is far outweighed by the diagnostic benefits. Speak with your doctor if you have any concerns before proceeding.
Yes — provided you are not having a contrast X-Ray, you can eat and drink as normal before your appointment, including drinking water. Your doctor will advise if any restrictions apply.
An Osteoarthritis X-Ray takes just a few minutes at most, including time for any repeat images, position changes, or discussion with your radiologist.
Once osteoarthritis is confirmed, a treatment plan can be established to manage your symptoms. This may include pain relief medication, lifestyle modifications, and hot and cold therapies to ease joint discomfort. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to repair or replace joints, providing improved movement and longer-term pain relief.