Which XRAY finding is most consistent with osteoarthritis?

• A. Osteophytes
• B. Lytic lesions
• C. Osteopenia
• D. Ground-glass appearance

Answer: (A)

Osteoarthritis on X-ray typically shows osteophyte formation at the joint margins, also known as bone spurs, which arise as the joint cartilage wears and the bone responds with remodeling. This peripheral bone growth is a classic radiographic feature of OA and helps distinguish it from other conditions. Lytic lesions indicate bone destruction seen with infection or malignancy, osteopenia reflects generalized reduced bone density, and a ground-glass appearance is associated with other bone disorders such as Paget disease or fibrous dysplasia. While joint space narrowing and subchondral sclerosis can also be present in OA, the presence of osteophytes is the most characteristic radiographic finding.