What is typically seen in early stages of osteoarthritis?

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In the early stages of osteoarthritis, the most common findings involve changes in the cartilage and surface of the joint. Surface fibrillation refers to the initial breakdown of the cartilage where microscopic tears and fraying occur on the joint surface. Superficial fissures are also indicative of early degenerative changes; these are small cracks that begin to form in the cartilage, often exacerbated by repetitive stress or aging.

This progression reflects the typical pathophysiology of osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones begins to degrade. As the condition progresses, additional changes like subchondral cysts and eburnation (which involve changes in bone underneath the cartilage) become more prominent, but those changes are characteristic of later stages of the disease.

The other options describe findings that generally occur as osteoarthritis advances; for example, joint fusion typically indicates severe disease and is not prevalent in the early stages, while osteonecrosis and significant pain might suggest more specific conditions rather than the straightforward onset of osteoarthritis. Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing the stages of osteoarthritis and providing appropriate management.

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