moderate tricompartmental degenerative changes

significant pain and discomfort even during simple movementsĪt this stage, a doctor may recommend surgery.Īn individual may not notice symptoms in the early stages of OA.a definite deformity at the ends of the bones.clear damage to the cartilage, which may have become fully or almost fully eroded.a significant development of bone spurs.a severe narrowing of the joint space, as a result of which the bones meet and rub together.The bones will respond by thickening and forming bony outward growths.

swelling and fluid buildup around the joint due to synovitis, which people sometimes call water on the kneeĪs OA progresses, the cartilage will continue to thin and break down.pain and discomfort during daily activities, such as running, walking, kneeling, and bending.a possible deformity at the ends of the bones.some damage to cartilage and other tissue.Synovial fluid is present, and it helps reduce friction, supporting the movement of the knee. There may be some minor damage, but the bones are not rubbing or scraping against each other. A thin layer of bone will also develop beneath the cartilage in the joints. When the tissues harden, the bone becomes thicker and denser. The area where the bones and tissues meet will start to harden. Stage 2: MildĪt this stage, an X-ray will possibly show narrowing of the space in the joint, and bone spurs.Ī person may start to notice stiffness and joint pain, especially after resting for a while. Learn more about the early stages of OA of the knee here. The joint will appear healthy on an X-ray. Other changes in the joint at this stage can include slight damage to the cartilage, and narrowing of the space between the bones in the joint.Īt this stage, a person is unlikely to experience discomfort or pain. Stage 1: MinorĪn X-ray may not reveal any damage, but bony growths of bone called osteophytes can be an early sign of OA. The stages below follow the KL classification, based on a series of X-ray images of OA of the knee. The original KL classification was published in 1957. They commonly use the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) classification of OA to describe OA of the knee, but there are other grading systems. Doctors often use stages to describe the progression. OA of the knee takes several years to develop. Share on Pinterest Gordon Schirmer/Getty Images

Moderate tricompartmental degenerative changes