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