fixation test. Of 18 clinical variables, all but Heberden's nodes, palpable knee effusion, pain in both hands, and latex fixation test showed a significant association after adjustment for age. Neither one single variable nor a combination could predict radiographic osteoarthritis of the knee with reasonable accuracy and thus be applicable in clinical practice. The x ray film, therefore, keeps its place , morning stiffness, osteoarthritis in any joint, pain or stiffness, or both, in knees or hips when rising from seated position, and pain in knees or hips while climbing stairs; and from the physical examination: Quetelet's index, Heberden's nodes, bony enlargement, palpable effusion, soft tissue swelling, limitation of knee function, pain with knee flexion, bony tenderness and, finally, the latex