Elbow Lesions
Feel For
- Firm masses over the dorsum of the elbow, noting associated swelling, erythema or tenderness.
Differential Diagnosis of Elbow Mass
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Gouty tophi
- Olecranon bursitis
Psoriatic Plaques
Look For
- Raised erythematous patches, particularly affecting the extensor surfaces of joints, scalp, periumbilicus, lower back and skin folds
Significance
- In a patient with a symmetric polyarthritis, the presence of psoriatic plaques is pathognomonic for psoriatic arthritis, and are very useful in distinguishing this from rheumatoid arthritis - the other major differential.
Next Page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------