The differential diagnosis of joint pain

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University of Washington

Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Continuing Medical Education: Synovitis

C. Gardner, MD

" The differential diagnosis of joint pain " :

Narrowing the differential diagnosis

When evaluating the patient with joint pain, I find it useful to

consider six key concepts during the history and physical examination

that help me narrow my differential diagnosis. By narrowing the

differential, one can focus the work-up in a more expedient and cost

efficient manner.

The six key concepts are:

1.. Is the joint pain really an arthritis?

2.. Is the condition acute or chronic?

3.. Is the problem inflammatory or noninflammatory?

4.. What is the pattern of joint involvement?

5.. Are there associated systemic features?

6.. What are the demographics of the patient that might make one

diagnosis more tenable?

http://www.orthop.washington.edu/faculty/Gardner/synovitis/01

I'll tell you where to go!

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester

s Hopkins Medicine

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org