Slideshow
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Heberden node
A ring-like swelling towards the fingertip, common in individuals with osteoarthritis, which is formed by a lump of cartilage-covered bone around the terminal joint. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the elderly.
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Osteoarthritis
An X-ray of the pelvis of a 90-year-old woman, showing osteoarthritis of the right hip (white) — a type of arthritis that results from the general wear and tear of aging. In a healthy individual there is usually a clear space between the ball and socket, but this joint shows little or no space, indicating cartilage loss. Treatment is with the surgical joint replacement.
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Rheumatoid arthritis
Colored X-ray showing erosion of both knee joints due to rheumatoid arthritis, a type of arthritis caused by an autoimmune disorder. The disease typically affects the joints of the fingers, wrists, feet, ankles, hips and/or shoulders symmetrically, with the degree of severity varying considerably. Clinicians diagnose rheumatoid arthritis using a blood test to determine the presence of rheumatoid factor, and X-rays that show erosion of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) or antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS).
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Synovitis
Knee swollen from synovitis. Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints and can occur with arthritis, most commonly the rheumatoid form of the disease.
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Arthritic hands
Arthritic hands showing symmetrical deformation of the joints that is consistent with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Septic arthritis
Also known as pyogenic arthritis or infective arthritis, this form of arthritis is caused by an infection. This photo shows the knee of an 88-year-old woman that has septic arthritis associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The infected joint becomes red, painful and swollen. Treatment includes painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy, and joint replacement surgery.
