Medical Timeline

Osteoarthritis vs. Rheumatoid Arthritis 📍📍📍

Osteoarthritis (OA):

Degenerative disease that causes articular cartilage loss and joint space narrowing.

Heberden's nodes are bony prominences located at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. Bouchard's nodes are located at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints.

Typically affects joint asymmetrically.

Usually negative/normal lab findings.

Radiograph: subchondral sclerosis, osteophytes, cysts, joint space narrowing, subluxation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Autoimmune disease that causes inflammatory synovitis.

Heberden's nodes are absent. Bouchard's nodes are not common, but may be present.

Typically affects joints symmetrically.

Positive rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibody, and elevated ESR and CRP.

Radiograph: periarticular osteopenia, bone erosions, joint space narrowing, subluxation.

Leukemia