The Musculoskeletal History
A comprehensive history is the first step to diagnosing patients with conditions such as gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue disorders.
Joint Pain
SOCRATES
Joint Swelling
Mono / polyarthropathy, onset / trigger
Joint Stiffness
Distribution, onset, changes through the day
Muscle Pain
Jaw Claudication
Loss of Function
Rheumatoid arthritis
Family history, articular / non-articular manifestations, functional impact, management
Osteoarthritis
Joints involved, occupation / sport, trauma, functional limitation
Gout
Joints affected, frequency of flares, tophi, urate-lowering therapy
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Active or in remission, manifestations
Scleroderma
Limited / diffuse, manifestations, functional impact
Inflammatory Myositis
Dermatomyositis, polymyositis, inclusion body myositis, immune-mediated necrotising myositis
Polymyalgia rheumatica
Past History of Trauma
Fracture, soft tissue injury
Rheumatologic Medications
Click for a summary of important drugs
Current Medications
Indication, dose, length of course
Autoimmune Disease
Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease
Occupation
Type of work, level of activity
Exercise
Time spent exercising, type of exercise, tolerance
Sport History
What sport, played for how long, injuries
Mobility
Aids, transfers, number of stairs in home, mods