Can osteoarthritis be detected with an MRI?

Yes, arthritis can be seen with an MRI scan – often earlier and in more detail than with a regular X-ray. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) shows not only skeletal structures but also cartilage, ligaments, synovial fluid and other soft tissues that are affected by osteoarthritis.

With MRI, the doctor can detect wear and tear in articular cartilage, swelling, increased synovial fluid, bone deposits and changes in bone tissue (so-called subchondral changes) that are typical of osteoarthritis. This makes MRI a particularly useful tool for early diagnosis or when osteoarthritis is suspected in multiple joints or unusual areas that are not easy to evaluate with a regular X-ray.

MRI is often used to assess osteoarthritis in, for example, knee, hip, shoulder, foot or spine. It can also be valuable in ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as meniscus injuries, inflammation, or rheumatoid arthritis.