CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS MANUAL
Hand arthropathy encompasses various diseases affecting the joints of the hands, presenting with a range of symptoms and clinical signs depending on the underlying pathology. Here is a brief explanation of each symptom and clinical sign, the suggested complementary tests, and the common pathologies that can cause this condition:
Pathology | Diagnosis of Suspicion | Diagnosis of Confirmation |
|---|---|---|
Postmenopausal Osteoarthritis | Pain and stiffness in the hand joints, nodules in distal and interphalangeal joints | Hand X-rays showing joint space narrowing, osteophytes, and joint subluxation |
Rheumatoid Arthritis | Symmetrical joint pain, prolonged morning stiffness, joint swelling | Positive rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP, X-ray findings of erosions and periarticular osteopenia |
Psoriatic Arthropathy | Joint pain with a history of psoriasis or characteristic skin lesions, often with an asymmetrical pattern of involvement | X-rays showing joint inflammation, sometimes with “pencil-in-cup” deformities or erosions, dermatologist-confirmed psoriasis |
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | Joint pain, malar rash, photosensitivity, other systemic symptoms | Positive ANA, other clinical and serological ACR criteria for lupus, absence of significant erosions on X-rays |
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