Comparison of Ultrasonographic Findings with Plain Radiography in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most commonly encountered joint disease with prevalence ranging upto 7.9%. There are various radiologic instruments to measure the disease severity of knee osteoarthritis. Kellgren Lawrence (KL grading) classification is commonly used radiographic tool to assess severity. High frequency musculoskeletal ultrasound is being used now-a-days as a reliable tool for assessment of osteoarthritis Objective To compare musculoskeletal findings with X-ray findings in knee osteoarthritis Method A prospective crosssectional study was conducted in patients with knee osteoarthritis in national centre for rheumatologic disease. An AP view standing X-ray was done for the involved knee and K-L grading was done. High frequency musculoskeletal ultrasound was done for the same knee. Synovial hypertrophy, Doppler activity, cartilage thickness (medial, lateral, intercondylar), osteophytes were noted. Pearson’s coefficient of correlation was calculated to compare the correlation between musculoskeletal ultrasound and radiographic findings Result A total of 138 patients with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled in the study with female predominance of 83% and mean age of 56.87± 10.61 years. A negative correlation was observed between cartilage thickness (medial) with joint space narrowing (KL grading) Conclusion Musculoskeletal ultrasound may be used in clinical practice to diagnose and monitor cases of knee osteoarthritis. It is potential imaging technique which might help in therapeutic interventions as well as disease monitoring.