[Acute arthritis]

MMW Fortschr Med. 2004 Apr 15;146(16):34-7.
[Article in German]

Abstract

In the case of inflammatory disease of the joints, the first diagnostic step is to determine whether the patient has monoarthritis, oligoarthritis or polyarthritis. After excluding a septic or a crystal-related process by joint puncture and synovial fluid analysis, further laboratory investigations including immunological and bacteriological tests can contribute to the diagnosis, and imaging procedures may also be useful. Primary therapy can be provided with NSAIDs or easy-on-the-stomach coxibs. Where indicated, antibiotics or, if warranted by the diagnosis and in the presence of persistent effusion, corticosteroids.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Arthritis / classification
  • Arthritis / diagnosis
  • Arthritis / etiology*
  • Arthritis, Gouty / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Infectious / diagnosis
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Osteoarthritis / diagnosis