Which joints are most commonly involved in rheumatoid arthritis?

Prepare for the CMS II Rheumatology E1 Exam with our comprehensive quiz. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

Multiple Choice

Which joints are most commonly involved in rheumatoid arthritis?

Explanation:
Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects synovial joints, with a preference for small joints of the hands. The metacarpophalangeal joints are classically involved early, showing swelling and tenderness along with the characteristic inflammatory stiffness. The proximal interphalangeal joints are also commonly affected, but the distal interphalangeal joints are typically spared in RA, which helps distinguish it from osteoarthritis. The knee can be involved as the disease progresses, but it is not as characteristic as the hand MCP joints. So the joints most commonly involved in RA are the metacarpophalangeal joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects synovial joints, with a preference for small joints of the hands. The metacarpophalangeal joints are classically involved early, showing swelling and tenderness along with the characteristic inflammatory stiffness. The proximal interphalangeal joints are also commonly affected, but the distal interphalangeal joints are typically spared in RA, which helps distinguish it from osteoarthritis. The knee can be involved as the disease progresses, but it is not as characteristic as the hand MCP joints. So the joints most commonly involved in RA are the metacarpophalangeal joints.

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