title: Chronic Lyme disease arthritis: review of the literature and report of a case of wrist arthritis.
abstract: A case of Lyme arthritis with advanced degenerative changes localized to the midcarpal joint was treated with a limited wrist arthrodesis with relief of pain and improved function. Chronic Lyme arthritis occurs as the third stage of Lyme disease. Serologic testing and a history of a characteristic rash may be helpful in the diagnosis. Radiographic and histopathologic findings are nonspecific, with both degenerative and inflammatory characteristics. Intravenous antibiotics provide an effective treatment of chronic Lyme arthritis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, Madison.
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Scerpella
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Engber
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D001174:Arthrodesis; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008193:Lyme Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery