Rheumatology

Rheumatology is dedicated to the study of rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal disorders, which are responsible for approximately one in 10 primary care office visits.1 There are over 100 rheumatologic disorders, and radiologic studies play a major role in establishing their diagnosis and monitoring improvement.2 Arthritic disorders are commonplace in the elderly and represent a significant degree of morbidity and even mortality for the geriatric population. Osteoarthritis is present in nearly 70% of those over 70 years of age.3 In addition, one in two women and one in four men over age 5...

Rheumatology is dedicated to the study of rheumatic diseases and musculoskeletal disorders, which are responsible for approximately one in 10 primary care office visits.1 There are over 100 rheumatologic disorders, and radiologic studies play a major role in establishing their diagnosis and monitoring improvement.2 Arthritic disorders are commonplace in the elderly and represent a significant degree of morbidity and even mortality for the geriatric population. Osteoarthritis is present in nearly 70% of those over 70 years of age.3 In addition, one in two women and one in four men over age 5...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by the year 2020 about 60 million Americans will be affected by arthritis. It is a leading cause of disability in developed countries. It limits the physical capability and independence of affected individuals and causes high stress levels for caregivers.

Although the diagnosis of arthritis includes a wide spectrum of more than 100 disorders, osteoarthritis (OA) by definition is a failure of joint cartilage due to “wear and tear.” By age 75, nearly 85% of the U.S. population has clinical or radiographic features ...