Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
13:21
Determining heat and mechanical pain threshold in inflamed skin of human subjects
Published on: January 14, 2009
Osteoarthritis beginning with inflammation. Definitions and correlations.
JAMA
|April 14, 1975
Summary
A distinct joint inflammation syndrome, predominantly in menopausal women, may bridge osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A significant portion of patients later developed rheumatoid arthritis characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Osteoarthritis research
- Inflammatory arthritis
Background:
- A specific syndrome presents with acute interphalangeal joint inflammation.
- This condition appears to be intermediate between degenerative osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- The syndrome predominantly affects women during the menopausal age and exhibits symmetrical joint involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical course and potential classification of a distinct joint inflammation syndrome.
- To determine the long-term evolution of this syndrome, particularly its relationship to established rheumatic diseases.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted.
- The study involved 170 individuals (propositi) presenting with the described syndrome.
- Participants were monitored for the development of characteristic features of other joint diseases.
Main Results:
- The syndrome is characterized by acute onset and symmetrical inflammation of interphalangeal joints.
- In 15.3% of the 170 propositi, later disease progression showed features more aligned with rheumatoid arthritis.
- These findings suggest a potential link or intermediate stage between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusions:
- The described syndrome may represent an early or intermediate form of inflammatory joint disease.
- A notable percentage of affected individuals develop characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis over time.
- This highlights the importance of distinguishing this syndrome from generalized or erosive osteoarthritis due to its distinct progression pathway.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
The inflammatory response is the body's defense against infection, injury, or irritation from bacteria, trauma, toxins, or heat. Inflammation helps locate and destroy pathogens and remove damaged tissue elements to heal the body. During this initial phase, fluid, blood products, and nutrients migrate to the injured area, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, ache, and loss of function. Moreover, signs of systemic inflammation include fever, increased WBC count, malaise, anorexia, nausea,...
01:29Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Bones are dynamic organs that require a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients. Around 5% to 10% of the cardiac output supplies blood to the bones. A typical long bone has three main sources: the nutrient artery, the metaphyseal and epiphyseal arteries, and the periosteal arteries.
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:28Inflammation: Introduction
Inflammation is a fundamental, protective biological response of vascularized tissues to cellular injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. Its primary function is to eliminate the initial cause of injury, clear necrotic cells and damaged tissue, and initiate the necessary repair processes.Cardinal SignsAcute inflammation presents with classic signs. Redness results from vasodilation and increased blood flow. Heat is due to increased metabolism and circulation. Swelling results from the...
01:26Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response
Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect damage-associated...
01:23Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology
The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...