JOINTS: Pathology

Question 1

ankylosing spondylitis

Answer 1

Chronic, progressive arthritis with stiffening of joints, primarily of the spine.
Treated with corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Question 2

gouty arthritis (gout)

Answer 2

Inflammation and painful swelling of joints caused by excessive uric acid in the body.
Congenital defect in metabolism of uric acid.
Uric acid crystals destroy articular cartilage and damage the synovial membrane.
Excruciating pain.
Treated with drugs to lower uric acid production, anti-inflammatory drugs and dietary restriction of foods rich in uric acid (purine)

Question 3

hyperuricemia

Answer 3

excess level of uric acid in blood

Question 4

podagra

Answer 4

excessive pain in the foot (gout in big toe)

pod = foot, agra = excessive pain

Question 5

osteoarthritis (OA)

Answer 5

Progressive, degenerative joint disease with loss of articular cartilage and hypertrophy of bone at articular surfaces (formation of osteophytes, or bone spurs).
Joint space narrowed due to loss of cartilage.
Usually elders, in spine, hips, and knees.
Treated with NSAIDs and physical therapy.

Question 6

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Answer 6

Chronic joint condition with inflammation and pain.
Autoimmune reaction against joint tissue, particularly the synovial membrane.
Articular cartilage is damaged, leading to loss of flexibility in the joint.
Begins in small joints of hands and feet.
Sometimes the joint fuses, preventing all movement.
Diagnosed by blood test that shows specific antibody and x-rays showing joint changes.
Treated with heat, NSAIDs, corticosteroids.

Question 7

bunion

Answer 7

Enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe (metatarsophalangeal joint).
Treated by anti-inflammatory agents and/or bunionectomy

Question 8

hallux valgus

Answer 8

Another name for bunion. hallux = great toe

valgus = abnormal angulation of the toe

Question 9

carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Answer 9

Compression of the medial nerve as it passes between the ligament and the bones and tendons of the wrist.
Caused by compression of the nerve in the carpal tunnel.
Part of the hand becomes numb.
Treated by immobilization during sleep, anti-inflammatory meds, cortisone shots or surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament.

Question 10

dislocation

Answer 10

A bone is displaced from its joint.
Dislocated bones do not articulate with each other.
Commonly due to trauma.
Examples are shoulder or hip dislocations.
Treated with reduction.

Question 11

subluxation

Answer 11

partial or incomplete dislocation

Question 12

ganglion cyst

Answer 12

A fulid-filled sac arising from joint capsules or tendons, usually in the wrist.
Treatment includes immobilization and reduced activity, or aspiration of fluid if necessary.

Question 13

herniated intervertebral disk

Answer 13

An intervertebral disk protrudes into the spinal canal or spinal nerves.
Also known as “slipped disk”.
Treatment includes physical therapy, pain relief meds, and cortisone injections.
Surgery is called microdiskectomy.

Question 14

sciatica

Answer 14

disk protruding in lumbar spine

Question 15

Lyme disease

Answer 15

A bacterium carried by a tick causes arthritis, myalgia, and malaise.
Often a “bulls-eye” rash at the site of the tick bite.
Treated with antibiotics.

Question 16

sprain

Answer 16

Trauma to ligaments without rupture.

Treatment includes compressive wraps, ice and elevation.

Question 17

strain

Answer 17

Injury as result of overstretching muscle.

Treatment includes compressive wraps, ice and elevation.

Question 18

systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Answer 18

Chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease involving joints, skin, kidneys, Central Nervous System, heart, and lungs.
Butterfly rash over nose and cheeks.
Diagnosed by presence of antibodies and characteristic white blood cells called LE cells.
Treated with corticosteroids.

Question 19

collagen

Answer 19

protein component of connective tissue