Orthopedic Surgeons and Rheumatology

Diagnosis for Rheumatology Diseases

Rheumatic Diseases is characterized by inflammation (redness, heat, swelling, pain etc.). Some form of rheumatoid arthritis such as lupus effect the other organs of the body, a complete physical examination of heart, abdomen, lungs, nervous system, eye, ear and throats etc. is necessary. The doctor may order some test to confirm diagnosis with the help of sample like blood, synovial fluid etc. some common test that are used in diagnosis are:- Antinuclear antibody (ANA), C-reactive protein test, Complete blood count (CBC), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed. rate), Rheumatoid factor, Synovial fluid examination. X-Ray techniques are also used for the diagnosis; it provides the images of bones. Some non-invasive techniques are Computed Tomography, (magnetic resonance imaging) MRI, and arthrography shows the image of whole joint. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography becoming an important diagnostic tool in RA. Clinical investigation is done with the help of Sonography. Schobers test is used in these disorders for the measurement of ability of a patient to flex his/her lower back. An Arthrogram diagnostic test is used to examine the injury in the bones, Fluoroscopy technique is used to show the clear images of the bones. There are different types of tools and techniques available such as MR arthrography test, cytopathology, sonography and low bone marrow density and its association with disease and some other measurement in rheumatoid arthritis will be discussed under this track.