| Identifying arthritis, or inflammation and swelling of | | | | inflammatory response this fluid can increase in |
| the joints, can be a complex process. Doctors use | | | | amount and get thicker causing swelling of the joint. |
| several different tests to correctly identify the type | | | | Isotope Bone Scans are test done in the radiology |
| of arthritis and prescribe an accurate treatment | | | | department of the hospital. A small dose of |
| program. Doctors include a comprehensive physical | | | | radioactive isotope is injected into the blood stream |
| examination and history of the patient and the | | | | and taken up by the bones. A special camera is used |
| patient's family as well as certain blood tests. | | | | to see the bones and most accurately evaluate the |
| Doctors also use x-rays to accurately see the bones | | | | inflammation in the joints. |
| and joints. Although x-rays are reliable way of | | | | In gout the fluid also has urate crystals - this is a |
| viewing the bone structure they are not accurate in | | | | conclusive test for gout. The lab will evaluate the |
| identifying arthritis. Most people over the age of 65 | | | | thickness of the fluid. Because there is an increase of |
| have changes in their joints without having the | | | | the synovial fluid which causes pain and swelling with |
| accompanying joint pain, swelling and inflammation of | | | | arthritis, the removal of this fluid for the test will also |
| arthritis. In fact, the cartilage and joint damage seen | | | | decrease pain and improve mobility for a short period |
| in an x-ray are often more severe than the patient's | | | | of time. |
| rating of pain and disability. The doctor will use x-rays | | | | If the disease has progressed the doctor may |
| with other findings and tests to identify the arthritic | | | | recommend an arthroscopy, or a small surgical |
| condition or modify a treatment program. | | | | procedure in which an incision is made over the joint. |
| Doctors also use arthrography, a test in which dye is | | | | A small tube and camera are inserted into the joint |
| injected directly into the joint during a special x-ray | | | | so the doctor can view the damage and sometimes |
| procedure. The process is done in the radiology | | | | also repair or remove cartilage. This surgery is done in |
| department, often by the radiologist. The test results | | | | the hospital, usually under a local anesthetic to reduce |
| are sent to the doctor and not given to the patient | | | | the surgical risk to the patient. |
| at the time of the procedure. | | | | Some arthritic conditions also cause soft tissue and |
| Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic | | | | organ damage. One organ that can be affected are |
| Resonance Imaging (MRI) are tests that physicians | | | | the lungs. Doctors will order Pulmonary Function |
| use to assist in the identification of joint degeneration | | | | Tests (PFTs) to assess any damage that may have |
| or the involvement of soft tissue or other organs. | | | | been done. This will help to identify arthritis and |
| The CT scan takes pictures in slices of the body and | | | | modify treatment programs. |
| are then fed back to a computer for interpretation. | | | | Another organ that can be affected is the heart |
| These x-ray pictures show bone but also show | | | | muscle. An Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is used to |
| muscle and organ systems as well. | | | | assess any muscle damage, help to identify problems |
| The MRI uses radio waves in a magnetic field. The | | | | and change treatment programs |
| radio waves react with the water in the body and | | | | Although there are no conclusive tests for arthritis, |
| send back images to a computer. An adult is | | | | used in combination, these tests give physicians an |
| approximately 60% content so the MRI can be fairly | | | | accurate clinical picture to make a diagnosis. Without |
| accurate over the entire body. This test is the best | | | | a correct diagnosis any treatment plan would not help |
| for viewing soft tissue and organ system changes. | | | | to stop the progression of the disease or lessen pain, |
| Sometimes doctors also use arthrocentisis to | | | | swelling and disability. To Identify arthritis the doctor |
| evaluate the fluid that is normally found in the joints. | | | | needs a comprehensive physical exam, family history, |
| Synovial fluid analysis is done in a laboratory. In an | | | | testing and the cooperation of the patient. |