Laboratory diagnosis of degenerative joint disease.
Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is characterized by pain on use. X-rays show cartilage narrowing and osteophytes. Synovial effusions are non-inflammatory, i.e. clear wiht good viscosity and less than 2000 WBC per mm. 3 Cartilage fragments may be seen in the joint fluid. Important systemic diseases that can cause degenerative joint disease include ochronosis, hemochromatosis, hyperparathyroidism, acromegaly, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, diabetes and syphilis with their neuropathic joints, Wilson's disease and hypothyroidism. The late results of other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and aseptic necrosis may resemble DJD.
D000172:Acromegaly / Q000150:complications; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004535:Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000150:complications; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000150:complications; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000150:complications; D009794:Ochronosis / Q000150:complications; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000032:analysis; D013587:Syphilis / Q000150:complications