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Arthritis Musculoskeletal Disorders
Arthritis Musculoskeletal Disorders
Arthritis Musculoskeletal Disorders
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In general, the two clinical clues most helpful for diagnosis are
the joint pattern and the presence or absence of extra-articular manifestations.
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Both the number of affected joints and the specific sites of involvement help determine the differential diagnosis
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Inflammation
Present
Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout
Absent
Osteoarthritis
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Metacarpophalangeal, wrists
Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (not osteoarthritis)
These studies are important for diagnosis and as a baseline for judging the results of therapy.
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