31st January 2024

Monoarticular manifestation of inflammatory arthritis

Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other connective tissue diseases with joint manifestations, can all result in monoarticular pathology. However, inflammatory arthritis is usually polyarticular, and some are typically symmetrical in pattern. The type of joint involved can also vary, from small joints to large joints.

The pathophysiology of arthritis is similar in crystal arthropathy- an influx of inflammatory cells from the circulation to the joint space and synovium, triggering the inflammatory reaction. However, inflammatory arthritis typically follows a more chronic course and has different extra-articular manifestations. The pain and loss of function of the joints involved are associated with disuse of the joint and improvement on movement- therefore, time of day and exacerbating factors are important to ask about. The treatment options for inflammatory arthritis also differ with consideration of disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs, DMARDs, and immunosuppressive therapy.