Yes, osteoarthritis can show on an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. MRI is a sensitive imaging technique that can detect changes in the soft tissues, including cartilage, which is the tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones can rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
On an MRI scan, osteoarthritis can be seen as a loss of cartilage volume, joint space narrowing, and bone spurs. In addition to these changes, an MRI scan can also show signs of inflammation, such as synovitis (inflammation of the lining of the joint) and effusion (excess fluid in the joint). MRI scans are useful for diagnosing osteoarthritis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.
