Articular and tendon manifestations indicating the stage of rheumatoid polyarthritis
Dumont, D.; Boissier, M.C.
La Revue du Praticien 47(18): 2005-2011
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-2640 PMID: 9501617 Document Number: 483817
Synovial inflammation and the destruction which results from recurrent and chronic inflammation lead to arthritis and tenosynovitis. Clinical manifestations are bilateral and symmetrical, affecting virtually all joints. The hands and the feet are the main targets. Cervical involvement should be routinely investigated. X-rays demonstrate the erosion and deformation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Altogether, the manifestations of the disease constitute a distinct and painful handicap. Treatment should be undertaken as early as possible in the course of rheumatoid arthritis in an attempt to avoid evolution toward irreversible destruction.