Which finding is most characteristic of osteoarthritis in the knee?

Which finding is most characteristic of osteoarthritis in the knee?

• A. Fever
• B. Clicking sound when knee bends
• C. Pain that is worse after activity
• D. Sjogren's syndrome

Answer: (B)

In osteoarthritis of the knee, the protective articular cartilage wears away, leaving rough, irregular joint surfaces. As the knee moves, these surfaces rub against each other and with underlying bone changes, producing crepitus—a grinding, clicking, or crackling sound or sensation. This mechanical sign is a hallmark of degenerative joint wear and is more characteristic of OA than systemic signs. Fever points to infection or inflammatory arthritis, not OA, and Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition unrelated to typical knee OA. While pain after activity is common in OA, the distinctive audible or palpable clicking with movement makes the described finding the best fit.

In osteoarthritis of the knee, the protective articular cartilage wears away, leaving rough, irregular joint surfaces. As the knee moves, these surfaces rub against each other and with underlying bone changes, producing crepitus—a grinding, clicking, or crackling sound or sensation. This mechanical sign is a hallmark of degenerative joint wear and is more characteristic of OA than systemic signs. Fever points to infection or inflammatory arthritis, not OA, and Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition unrelated to typical knee OA. While pain after activity is common in OA, the distinctive audible or palpable clicking with movement makes the described finding the best fit.