Signs & Symptoms for Radiographic OA

The Cluster consists of the following 6 items next to knee pain:

1. Age>50 years
2. Morning stiffness < 30 minutes
3. Crepitations upon ROM assessment
4. Tenderness upon palpation on bony joint margins
5. Bony enlargement of the knee joint
6. No increase of temperature

 

 Positive Outcome: At least 3 or more positive items out of 6 

Study	Reliability	Sn	Sp	LR+	LR-
Altman et al. (1986): 3+/6	NA	95	69	3.06	NA
Altman et al. (1986): 4+/6	NA	84	89	7.63	NA
Comment: Be aware that the cluster is diagnostic for radiographic osteoarthritis, which can only partly – if at all – explain a patient’s pain experience in OA. Other factors like central sensitization and psychosocial factors might play an important role as well.