Arthritis Flashcards
What are the two factors of accelerating arthritis progression of the disease?
physical inactivity > into deconditioning
What is RA?
A chronic systemic inflammation caused by autoimmune disease at articular and extra-articular joints.
What is the ARA diagnostic criteria for RA?
5 of the following for 6 or more weeks:
- Morning stiffness
- pain on motion at, at least 1 joint
- swelling in at 1 joint
- swelling in at least 1 other joint
- poor mucin from synovial fluid
- nodules present
What are some possible causes of RA?
- genetic
- infection by Epstein-Barr virus
- Rubella
- Female hormones
What demographic has the highest prevalence of RA?
Native American group
In RA what cell type increases?
increase in synovial cells aka hypertrohpy/hyperplasia
What are some systemic signs and symptoms?
fever, weakness, fatigue, and weight loss
What are some extra-articular manifestations of RA?
- fatigue
- inflammation of the type II fibers
- inflammation of the vessels, heart, lung tissue.
What bone related pathology is 20-30% more common in RA patients? and why?
osteoporosis; due to increase in osteoclast activity and chronic use of glucocortcoids
What type of pain does RA result in?
- generally diffused pain lasting 1 > hours in the AM.
- Pain especially after times of inactivity
- pain from inflammation
- bilateral crepitus
What part of the spine is most affected in RA?
C1-C2 and mid cervical
How can RA be life threatening?
if the transverse ligament of atlas is ruptured, 25% of all RA pt have some c/s instability
What type of hand deviation is present in RA?
- proximal row in ulnar deviation
- distal row in radial deviation
- overall volar subluxation due to flexor tendon bowstringing
RA can lead to what nerve entrapment? and why?
median nerve entrapment due to synovitis
What is the hyperextension of PIP and DIP flexion called?
Swan neck deformity
