Which of the following is considered a hallmark of osteoarthritis on X-rays?

The presence of osteophytes is considered a hallmark of osteoarthritis on X-rays. Osteophytes, also known as bone spurs, are bony projections that form along the edges of bones, particularly in joints that have experienced degeneration. They are a direct result of the body's attempt to repair itself in response to joint wear and tear, which is characteristic of osteoarthritis.

Osteophytes can indicate the progression of osteoarthritis as they often develop in areas where there is increased stress on the joint surfaces. Their identification on X-rays provides clear visual evidence of the degenerative changes associated with the disease, helping clinicians confirm a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and differentiate it from other joint disorders.

In contrast, joint hypermobility is not a feature of osteoarthritis but rather a condition where joints move beyond their normal range of motion. Fractures relate to acute injuries and are not indicative of osteoarthritis specifically. While soft tissue swelling can occur in various joint conditions, it is not a defining characteristic of osteoarthritis on imaging studies, making osteophytes the most significant and recognizable indicator when evaluating X-ray images for osteoarthritis.