title: The evaluation and initial management of arthritis.
abstract: This article reviews the appropriate workup of the patient presenting with complaints referable to a joint, including the important information to be obtained during the interview and physical examination, as well as from laboratory and imaging studies. The clinical presentation of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and joint sepsis are discussed, and the treatment approach for each is outlined. The specific indications for surgical intervention in the course of arthritis also are detailed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, School of Medicine, San Francisco, USA.
authors.forename: J T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Dearborn
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Jergesen
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D015210:Arthritis, Gouty / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D010808:Physical Examination; D012017:Referral and Consultation
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal