The Kellgren-Lawrence grading system is radiological classification of knee

osteoarthritis. It is based on x- rays and consists of normal, Grade I, Grade II,

Grade II and Grade IV.
This categorical scale incorporates important radiographic featres of
osteoarthritis!
"oint space narrowing # bone is $isible on x-ray bt the articlar cartilage
that co$ers it is not. % normal &oint therefore appears to ha$e a space
between the bones. %ny decrease in space implies a redction in
cartilage co$er.
'steophytes - small bony pro&ections that from arond &oint margins.They
are responsible for limiting range of motion and can case pain.
(clerosis # this means )hardening* and is a sign of osteoarthritis, seen as
increased white areas in the bone at the &oint margins
Grade I ! +nlikely narrowing of the &oint space, possible osteophytes
Grade II! (mall osteophytes, possible narrowing of the &oint
Grade III! ,ltiple, moderately si-ed osteophytes, definite &oint space
narrowing, some sclerotic areas, possible deformation of bone ends
Grade IV! ,ltiple large osteophytes, se$ere &oint space narrowing, marked
sclerosis and definite bony end deformity.
Knee x-rays and Kellgren-Lawrence .lassification is sed to determine candidacy for
knee replacement. (tem cell therapy is an alternati$e to total knee replacement.
/esearch shows that more than 0 in 01 patients after knee replacement had chronic
pain in the knee cap area. % more recent stdy fond that 223 of patients contined
to experience pain 4-2 years post knee replacement. %ll too often the sorce of the
pain is the lower back and not the knee.