Dictionary

arthritis, psoriatic See psoriatic arthritis.

arthritis, Reiter The joint component of a syndrome of inflammation of the joints (arthritis), eyes (conjunctivitis), and the genitourinary and/or gastrointestinal systems. See also Reiter syndrome.

arthritis, rheumatoid An autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of joints. Rheumatoid disease can also involve inflammation of tissues in other areas of the body, such as the lungs, heart, and eyes. Because it can affect multiple organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness. Although rheumatoid arthritis is a…

arthritis, septic Joint inflammation caused by infection from blood poisoning (sepsis) or from infection within the affected joint itself, or as a side effect of infection in other body tissues. Treatment includes antibiotic medications and surgical drainage. Also known as pyarthosis and suppurative arthritis.

arthritis, spondylitis A form of arthritis that causes chronic inflammation of the spine.

arthritis, systemic-onset chronic rheumatoid See arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid.

arthritis, systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid A form of joint disease in children whose systemic signs and symptoms include high intermittent fever, a salmon-colored skin rash, swollen lymph glands, enlargement of the liver and spleen, inflammation of the lungs (pleuritis), and inflammation around the heart (pericarditis). The arthritis itself may not be immediately apparent, but in time…

arthritis in children Arthritis in children, usually in the form of juvenile/pediatric arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. See also arthritis, systemiconset juvenile rheumatoid.

arthritis mutilans An extremely severe form of chronic rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis characterized by resorption of bones and the consequent collapse of soft tissue. When this affects the hands, it can cause a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “telescoping fingers.”

arthrocentesis A procedure in which a sterile needle and syringe are used to drain fluid from the joint. This is usually done as an office procedure or at the bedside in the hospital. For certain conditions, medication is put into the joint after fluid removal. The needle is then removed, and a bandage or dressing…

arthrogryposis Joint contractures that develop before birth and are evident at birth. With arthrogryposis there is a lack of the normal range of motion in one or more joints. In normal embryonic development, joints can be seen moving by 8 weeks of gestation. This motion of joints is essential to the proper development of the…

arthropathy Joint disease.