Adult Rheuma Flashcards
(31 cards)
What is osteoarthritis?
A progressive, degenerative joint disorder.
Which joints are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis?
Knees, followed by hips and hands.
Name a key symptom of osteoarthritis related to movement.
Reduced range of motion due to pain.
What are some typical signs on physical exam in OA?
Joint tenderness, crepitus, reduced movement.
How does OA pain typically change with activity and rest?
Worse with activity in later stages, may hurt after rest in early stages.
Is going up or down stairs more painful in OA?
Going down stairs is usually more painful.
What kind of weather tends to worsen OA symptoms?
Cold or damp weather.
How is OA diagnosed?
Primarily a clinical diagnosis.
Are CRP and ESR levels usually high or normal in OA?
They are typically normal.
What does the mnemonic ‘LOSS’ stand for in OA X-ray findings?
• Loss of joint space
• Osteophytes
• Subchondral sclerosis
• Subchondral cysts
What is the first-line treatment approach for OA?
Conservative management.
What is the first-line medication for OA?
Topical NSAIDs.
What are second-line options for OA pain?
Paracetamol and topical analgesics.
When are corticosteroid injections used in OA?
For acute pain flares when regular pain meds aren’t enough.
What is rheumatoid arthritis
A chronic, systemic inflammatory disease affecting synovial joints.
Which joints are most commonly affected in RA?
Small joints of the hands and feet, especially PIP, MCP, wrists, MTP, knees, ankles, cervical spine.
Is RA joint pain usually symmetrical or asymmetrical?
Symmetrical
What systemic symptoms may occur in RA?
Fatigue and low-grade fever.
What is a swan neck deformity?
Hyperextension of the PIP joint and flexion of the DIP joint.
What is a boutonnière’s deformity?
Flexion of the PIP joint and hyperextension of the DIP joint.
Name three other common deformities in RA.
Z thumb deformity, ulnar deviation, piano key wrist deformity.
Name three extra-articular features of RA.
Dry eyes, pericarditis, pulmonary fibrosis. (More: scleritis, rash, nodules, anaemia, Raynaud’s, etc.)
What type of anaemia is common in RA?
Normochromic, normocytic anaemia.
What inflammatory markers are typically raised in RA?
ESR and CRP.
