Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

Description

Answer 1

Chronic systemic inflammatory disease

Cause unknown

Possibly genetic, autoimmune

Question 2

Systemic/Global

Answer 2

Symmetrical

Polyarticular arthritis

Particularly affecting hands and feet

Question 3

Inflammation leads to damage

Answer 3

Synovial inflammation

Tendon sheath inflammation

Leads to cartilage and bone damage

Deformity

Question 4

Incidence

Answer 4

25-30/100 000

F:M 3:1

Peak age 20-50

Question 5

Symptoms

Answer 5

Morning stiffness

Joint swelling

Nodules

Positive Rheumatoid Factor

Bony erosions

Osteopenia

Symmetric joint narrowing

Question 6

Commonly affected joints

Answer 6

Hands (MCP, PIP), wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, cervical spine, TMJ (jaw)

Question 7

Deformities

Answer 7

Swan-neck

Boutonniere

Metacarpophalangeal ulnar deviation and subluxation

Ruptured finger tendons

Question 8

Other related problems

Answer 8

Eyes

Lung

Cardiac

Dermatologic

Neurologic

Hematologic

Question 9

Goal

Answer 9

Maintain strength and function

Prevent deformity (orthoses)

Rest joints during acute flare

Possible surgical referral for end stage degenerative joint disease