Having an x-ray to diagnose knee arthritis might make you more likely to consider potentially unnecessary surgery
Melbourne, Feb 21 (The Conversation) Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability, affecting more than two million Australians. Routine x-rays aren’t recommended to diagnose the condition. Instead, GPs can make a diagnosis based on symptoms and medical history. Yet nearly half of new patients with knee osteoarthritis who visit a GP in Australia are referred for imaging. Osteoarthritis imaging costs the health system A$104.7 million each year. Our new study shows using x-rays to diagnose knee osteoarthritis can affect how a person thinks about their knee pain – and can prompt them to consider potentially unnecessary knee