Final answer:
Radiographic assessment of early osteoarthritis typically shows osteophyte formation and joint space narrowing on X-ray, both of which are signs of the disease's progression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Radiographic assessment of a patient with early osteoarthritis (OA) will most likely reveal osteophyte formation and joint space narrowing on X-ray. OA is a joint disease due to the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, commonly causing symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness. It's often associated with aging and the "wear and tear" of articular cartilage. Risk factors include joint injury, physical labor, certain sports, and being overweight. Joint deformities, bony nodules on the finger joints, or bunions on the feet are common signs of OA, along with stiffness that usually improves with rest.
Diagnosis of OA primarily relies on physical signs and symptoms, but imaging such as X-rays or MRI can reveal characteristic changes such as osteophyte formation and joint space narrowing, which are hallmarks of the disease. Soft tissue swelling can result from increased synovial fluid, while involvement of the metacarpals might also be observed in more advanced cases.