Appendicular Arthritis - Musculoskeletal Radiology

Description: Even though over 90 different rheumatic diseases are recognized by the American College of Rheumatology, only three entities are commonly seen in most clinical radiology practices, even including those located in large tertiary medical centers. Osteoarthritis (a.k.a. degenerative joint disease) is the most commonly seen form of appendicular arthritis. The other two commonly seen arthropathies are rheumatoid arthritis and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) deposition disease. Less common arthropathies that may manifest radiographic findings in the appendicular skeleton include septic arthritis, and gout. Most other appendicular arthropathies are seen only rarely.
UW Department of Radiology Online MSK Radiology Book