Can Synovitis Be Seen on Xray?

Radiographs show typical findings such as soft-tissue swelling, marginal erosions, periarticular osteopenia, joint space narrowing, and joint subluxation. Besides bone alterations, this imaging modality is unable to display synovitis at an early stage.

How is synovitis diagnosed?

How Is Synovitis Diagnosed? Your doctors take your history and examine the joint for warmth, tenderness to the touch, swelling, or thickening of the joint that feels “spongy.” For synovitis in a deeper joint, such as the hip, you might need an MRI or other imaging test to confirm a diagnosis of synovitis.

Can you see synovitis?

Synovitis that occurs due to overuse or injury, however, remains in the same joint. For some patients, there may be no visible indicators of synovitis. You experience joint pain but not notice any outward swelling of the joints. Other patients, however, may notice a little swelling or redness in the affected area.