Rheumatology Made Simple : Monoarthritis

Rheumatology Made Simple :  Monoarthritis

Pain and inflammation of a single joint is known as monoarthritis.

Targeted History and examination is important in order to narrow down the differential diagnosis.

Common causes of Monoarthritis include the following :

Trauma



Crystal Arthropathy



Gout / Pseudo Gout

Infections

Seronegative spondyloarthritis



Nonspecific inflammatory conditions,



Neoplasm



Immunologic conditions.

Key steps in developing Differential Diagnosis :

1. Is there any history of trauma.

2.Decide if process is articular or extra articular.,

3.Use clues from history and physical examination to narrow down the differential diagnosis ( Age,Gender,Risk factors,Previous episodes,Family history,Back pain,Travel history

Presence of extra-articular manifestations is particularly useful.

4.Obtain labarotory data .This is unlikely to make a diagnosis in isolation.

5.Joint aspiration is done to analyze synovial fluid to establish diagnosis and guide therapy