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Concise Pathology, 3e
| Part B. Systemic Pathology > Section XVI. Bone, Joints, & Connective Tissue > |
Chapter 68. Diseases of Joints & Connective Tissue
Sections: Disorders of Joints, Diseases of Extraskeletal Connective Tissue.
Topics Discussed: musculoskeletal diseases.
Excerpt:"Joints are specialized areas of the skeletal system situated between two bones, permitting postural movements: flexion, extension, rotation, etc. The ends of the bone in the joint cavity are covered with smooth hyaline cartilage (articular cartilage). The joint is held together by a joint capsule composed of collagen, which is strengthened by ligaments. The inside of the joint capsule is lined by a layer of flat synovial cells that secrete synovial fluid. The synovial fluid in the joint cavity serves as a lubricant.Most joint diseases cause pain. The term arthralgia is used when there is joint pain without evidence of acute inflammation. When pain is accompanied by other features of inflammation such as swelling, redness, and increased temperature, the term arthritis is used.Physical examination permits detection of acute inflammation, which is characterized by swelling, redness, increased temperature, tenderness, and restriction of motion. The presence of joint swelling is best assessed by measurement of its circumference and comparing it with the normal counterpart in the case of paired joints. With some joints (eg, atlantoaxial, intervertebral), the presence of inflammation may be difficult to establish. Joint swelling may be caused by fluid..."
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