Musculoskeletal imaging mnemonic

Radiographic features of osteoarthritis

The mnemonic

LOSS

What each word stands for

  • LLoss of joint space
  • OOsteophytes
  • SSubchondral sclerosis
  • SSubchondral cysts

Why it matters clinically

Separates osteoarthritis from inflammatory arthritis.

Where it stops being reliable

Does not list the features of rheumatoid arthritis.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Musculoskeletal imaging mnemonic?

LOSS. It helps you recall: Radiographic features of osteoarthritis.

What does "L" stand for?

Loss of joint space

What does "O" stand for?

Osteophytes

What does "S" stand for?

Subchondral cysts

What are all the parts of the LOSS mnemonic?

L: Loss of joint space; O: Osteophytes; S: Subchondral sclerosis; S: Subchondral cysts.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Musculoskeletal imaging in Radiology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Does not list the features of rheumatoid arthritis.

How is this useful clinically?

Separates osteoarthritis from inflammatory arthritis.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Radiology question about Musculoskeletal imaging.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.