Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, multisystem, autoimmune condition characterised by autoantibodies directed against nuclear components. It affects approximately 1 in 4000 and is more common in women…
Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the prototypical inflammatory arthropathy. The primary site of disease is the synovium, which becomes inflamed and proliferates to form pannus: a mass of T cells,…
Knee The knee is very susceptible to problems, especially from sports such as football and skiing, where the body turns fast on a fixed foot. The history will give a…
Hip Make sure that you have adequate exposure on both sides so that the normal can be compared with the abnormal. Use the system ‘look, feel, move’ (see Chapters 3,…
Introduction Problems with the hip can occur at any age, and for each age group the most likely diagnosis is different. Hip dysplasia The condition is not common, but is…
