Osteoarthritis versus Rheumatoid Arthritis Mnemonics – LOSS vs. LESS

These mnemonics have been commonly used to recall the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis:

For osteoarthritis (also referred to as osteoarthrosis)

L – loss of joint space
O – osteophytes
S – subchondral sclerosis
S – subchondral cysts

L – loss of joint space
E – erosions
S – soft tissue swelling
S – soft bones (osteopenia)

Remember, however, that arthritis typically doesn’t follow the book and there may be other findings that obfuscate the diagnosis, such as in the case of erosive osteoarthritis, in which juxtaarticular erosions simulate those found in rheumatoid arthritis.

Learn more here.