Orthopaedics Arthritis for UPSC CMS: OA, RA, Gout, Septic Arthritis and Crystal Arthropathy

Osteoarthritis#

Most common arthritis. Weight-bearing joints (knee, hip, spine). Heberden nodes (DIP), Bouchard nodes (PIP). X-ray: joint space narrowing, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis. Treatment: NSAIDs, physiotherapy, joint replacement.

Rheumatoid Arthritis#

Symmetrical small joint involvement. Morning stiffness >1hr. X-ray: periarticular osteopenia, marginal erosions, joint space narrowing. Treatment: DMARDs.

Crystal Arthropathy#

Gout: Monosodium urate crystals. Needle-shaped, negatively birefringent. Podagra (1st MTP). Treatment: NSAIDs, Colchicine, Steroids, Allopurinol (long-term).

Pseudogout: Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate. Rhomboid, positively birefringent. Knee most common.