Which statement is true regarding rheumatoid arthritis hand joint involvement?

Which statement is true regarding rheumatoid arthritis hand joint involvement?

• A. DIP joints are typically spared
• B. DIP joints are predominantly involved
• C. MCP joints are spared
• D. Wrist joints are spared

Answer: (A)

In rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hand, the pattern of joint involvement centers on the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints and often includes the wrist, while the distal interphalangeal joints are typically spared because they have less synovial tissue. This sparing of the DIPs is a classic feature and helps distinguish RA from conditions that involve DIPs more, such as osteoarthritis. Therefore, the true statement is that DIP joints are typically spared. The other options don’t fit the typical RA pattern: DIPs are not predominantly involved, MCP joints are not spared, and the wrist is not spared.

In rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hand, the pattern of joint involvement centers on the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints and often includes the wrist, while the distal interphalangeal joints are typically spared because they have less synovial tissue. This sparing of the DIPs is a classic feature and helps distinguish RA from conditions that involve DIPs more, such as osteoarthritis. Therefore, the true statement is that DIP joints are typically spared. The other options don’t fit the typical RA pattern: DIPs are not predominantly involved, MCP joints are not spared, and the wrist is not spared.