Rheumatology

Answer 1 Normal joints. The arthritis of SLE is classically described as nondeforming. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis (RA), boutonnière and swan-neck deformities are reducible (ie, the joints can be realigned by manually moving them into the correct position), but the tendons lack the integrity to hold the bones in alignment. Erosions are not seen in SLE arthritis but can be seen in RA, the spondyloarthropathies, and crystal disease. Subchondral cysts are a radiographic feature of degenerative arthritis. Bone fragmentation is seen in both Charcot and pseudo-Charcot joints. Carpal fusion is seen primarily in juvenile RA but also may occur in adult RA. Click here to return to the questions

Hospital Physician     JCOM     Seminars in Medical Practice Hospital Physician Board Review Manuals About TWC    Subscribe    Contact TWC    Home    Search   Site Map Copyright © 2009, Turner White Communications Updated 1/04/08 • kkj