Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, affecting primarily the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Joint damage in OA includes cartilage erosion, subchondral bone sclerosis, bone remodeling with osteophyte formation, and episodes of synovitis. Diagnosis is based on radiographical changes – primarily joint space narrowing, subchondral bone sclerosis and osteophytes – accompanied by clinical symptoms, most prominently pain.
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