Although radiographic imaging may be helpful to help rule out other conditions, the relationship between joint damage found on imaging and the amount of pain one experiences can vary.[1] Imaging alone should not be used to assess severity of osteoarthritis. Rather, understanding the numerous factors that can contribute to pain and dysfunction should be used when assessing osteoarthritis.
Does joint damage on imaging show how much osteoarthritis can affect physical function?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Radiographic imaging can help rule out other conditions, but it does not reliably indicate the severity of osteoarthritis or its effect on physical function because the relationship between joint damage and pain varies. A comprehensive assessment should consider multiple factors that contribute to pain and dysfunction rather than relying solely on imaging.