Medical Emergencies · single question
All of the following are associated with rheumatoid arthritis EXCEPT one. Which is the EXCEPTION?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Affects joints bearing significant body weight stress
- A. RA is an autoimmune disease mediated by T-cells, B-cells, and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) that attack the synovial membrane.
- B. Bilateral symmetrical joint involvement is a hallmark feature of RA that helps distinguish it from other arthropathies.
- C. CORRECT. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is NOT primarily a weight-bearing joint disease. RA is an autoimmune systemic disease affecting synovial joints, often starting with the small joints of the hands and feet (metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints). It is NOT classified as a mechanical/weight-bearing arthritis — that distinction belongs to osteoarthritis (OA), which preferentially affects weight-bearing joints (knees, hips).
- D. The TMJ is a synovial joint and can be involved in RA, producing pain, limitation of opening, and potentially ankylosis.
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