Arthritis and Joint Inflammation Flashcards
what are the four features of every synovial joint?
articular cartilage, synovial membrane, fibrous capsule and synovial fluid
what does the anatomical design of the joint allow?
transmission of loads across joint and movement of bone ends relative to each other with minimal friction and wear
what is the function of the synovial fluid?
it lubricates the the intra-articular space and provides nutrition to the intra-articular surfaces
what is a simple joint?
one which contains two articulating surfaces rather than more than two which is a compound joint
what does the synovial membrane do in arthritis?
it pumps up pro-inflammatory chemicals so there is more inflammation and then this results in more fluid
what happens to the cartilage in arthritis?
the cartilage wears away until there is no longer a gap between the bones
what is the basis of management of arthritis?
reducing inflammation to make the patient feel better and have less pain
what is the commonest type of arthritis?
osteoarthritis - inflammation, cartilage loss and some joint swelling
why is there inflammation in other parts of the body especially in obese patients?
fatty tissue releases lectoms which causes inflammation elsewhere such as hands
what is a symptom and a sign of inflammatory arthritis?
morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes and raised inflammatory markers such as CRP
which age group is inflammatory arthritis common in?
younger people
which gender and by what factor is rheumatoid arthritis more common in?
more common in females - 3:1
which blood test is positive in rheumatoid?
CCP to test rheumatoid factor
what is the basis of treatment in rheumatoid?
reduction of the immune system
what are some other illnesses common with rheumatoid?
TB, inflammation of lungs and heart, osteoporosis
which type of arthritis can affect tendon insertion sites and cause red inflamed eyes?
psoriatic arthritis
what is the umbrella term for psoriatic arthritis?
spondyloarthritis
which age group is ankylosing spondylitis most common in and how does it present?
younger people and as ‘inflammatory’ back pain
which gender is ankylosing spondylitis more common in?
men
what is the basis of gout and what is the other name?
too much uric acid and can be called crystal arthritis
how is gout treated?
with diuretics and analgesics
what does untreated gout lead to?
permanent bone damage
what are tophi?
lumps of uric acid crystals that have formed that are common on ears, fingers and elbows
