terminology in rheumatology
Last reviewed 01/2018
Below is a list of descriptive terms that are often applied in rheumatology.
Term Meaning
- arthralgia joint pain, normally in the absence of swelling
- arthropathy a general term describing joint disease of any type
- monoarticular only one joint involved
- polyarticular many joints involved
- oligo/pauci 2,3 or 4 joints involved -articular
- small joints usually refers to the joints of the hands and feet
- large joints usually applies to the major limb joints ie hip, shoulder, knee, elbow
- seropositive where rheumatoid factor is present
- seronegative where rheumatoid factor is absent
- symmetrical where joints are involved similarly on right and left sides of the body