Dermatology Made Simple : Psoriasis : Patterns of Joint Involvement in Psoriasis:

Patterns of Joint Involvement in Psoriasis:

There are Five patterns of Joint involvement in Psoriatic arthropathy:

1.      Distal Interphalangeal Joint Involvement:

2.       Asymmetrical Oligoarticular Joint Involvement

3.       Symmetrical Polyarthritis

4.       Arthritis Mutilans

5.       Spondylitis

Psoriatic Arthropathy affects 5 – 10 % of patients with psoriasis.

In most cases patients develop skin manifestations of psoriasis before joint involvement occurs.

Distal Interphalangeal Joint Involvement:

This is the most common pattern of arthropathy in Psoriasis.

This is usually asymmetrical.

It affects both males and females equally.

Arthritis Mutilans:

This is the most severe although rarest form of Psoriatic arthropathy.

It is characterized by considerable bone resorption and subsequent telecscoping of fingers.