Systematic approach to arthropathies

Abstract

Arthritis is, by definition, a disease confined to the joints. Many arthropathies result from systemic diseases. The goal of this chapter is to provide a systematic approach to the analysis and classification of arthritis. Arthropathies can be divided into four basic categories: productive, destructive, both productive and destructive, and those that only affect the ligaments surrounding joints. The major and common entities causing each of these Types of arthritis is discussed from the point of view of pathophysiology and diagnosis. Appropriate imaging modalities are reviewed. © 2010 Humana Press.