ORTHOPEDICS
■ Fever, most commonly with septic arthritis
■ Characterized by number of joints (mono, poly, oligo), symmetry, migratory
DIFFERENTIAL
■ Bursitis
■ Tendonitis
■ Fracture
■ Cellulitis
TABLE 4.6. Causes of Symmetric Polyarthritis
CONDITION JOINTSINVOLVED UNIQUEFEATURES TREATMENT
Rheumatoid Hand (MCP and PIP Women in their 20s and 30s; associated NSAIDs, immunosuppressants,
joints), wrist with HLA-DR4 haplotype; early antimalarials, gold, methotrexate
morning stiffness; sparing of DIP joints;
multisystem involvement common
Systemic lupus All. Usually PIP and Women 15—40 years old; can be NSAIDs, immunosuppressants
MCP joints of the hand migratory; associated with rash:
malar, discoid, or photosensitivity
Rheumatic fever Large joints (knees, Migratory NSAIDs, immunosuppressants
ankles, elbows, wrists)
Viral All joints
TABLE 4.7. Causes of Asymmetrical Polyarthritis
CONDITION JOINTSINVOLVED UNIQUEFEATURES TREATMENT
Reiter syndrome Weight-bearing joints Males 15—30 years old; triad: conjunctivitis, NSAIDs; antibiotics not
(reactive arthritis) (sacroiliac, hip, knee) urethritis, arthritis;80—90% are HLA-B27 helpful
positive; often preceded 2—6 wks by viral
illness, diarrhea, or infection with Chlamydia
orUreaplasma
Gonococcal Wrist, hand, ankle Young sexually active adults; often associated Penicillin
with a vesiculopustular lesions on the fingers;
can be migratory; synovial fluid cultures
often negative
Henoch-Schönlein Ankle, knee Children 4—12 years old; triad: migratory NSAIDs
purpura arthritis, palpable purpuric rash on
lower extremities, abdominal pain
Lyme Knee Migratory; occurs monthsafter the initial Antibiotics (doxycycline,
infection amoxicillin, Penicillin G,
ceftriaxone)
Reiter syndrome: Can’t see
(conjunctivitis), can’t pee
(urethritis), can’t bend my
knee (arthritis)