What does arthritis look like on a xray? my doctor told me i have it by looking at my xray & than he tells me i don't have it & he's an orthopedic!

Several criteria: The most common findings with arthritis on an x-ray are joint space narrowing, cystic changes, cortical (bone edges) irregularities and bone spurs.

Depends on x-ray: You can determine arthritis by a x-ray if there is a joint space narrowing if you have a good joint space you most certainly wont have any arthritis therfore will save you money by not ordering a mri. With the image shown good joint space on the left confirms no arthritis. The x-ray on the right side shows no joint space which confirms arthritis, some orthos may order a MRI to confrim.

Xray arthritis: Arthritis will show one or more of the following: joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, osteophytes, cystic changes, joint translation, angular deformities, joint surface irregularities.

Cysts and spurs: There are specific findings on x-rays including spurs, cysts, sclerosis, and loss of joint space. In addition, as the arthritis progresses the alignment of the joint may change. Arthritis is most commonly seen on x-rays and does not require any advanced imaging in most situations.

Early: Early arthritis may not have changes by x-ray.