A 56-year-old Hispanic woman presents to her physician’s office complaining of progressively worsening chronic pain (>5 years) in her right knee and the distal interphalangeal joint of her left little...

A 56-year-old Hispanic woman presents to her physician’s office complaining of progressively worsening chronic pain (>5 years) in her right knee and the distal interphalangeal joint of her left little finger. Pain in both joints is relieved by a short rest. A physical exam demonstrates intact (though accompanied by crepitus) right knee range of motion, and Heberden nodes. Which of the following is likely to be seen if a pathologic examination were performed on the patient’s right knee?

A. Dense sclerotic bone, with a hard, ivory-like surface

B. Uric acid crystals in joint fluid

C. A pannus formed over the surface of the cartilage

D. No changes