X-Ray of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Hands

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X-ray images showing a normal hand and a hand with rheumatoid arthritis

Figure 1 courtesy of Intermountain Medical Imaging, Boise, Idaho. Figure 2 courtesy of Paul Traughber, M.D., Boise, Idaho.

The X-ray on the left shows a normal hand.

The X-ray on the right shows a hand with advanced rheumatoid arthritis. "Bone erosion" means cartilage and bone are worn away. "Bone displacement" means that a bone has moved out of its normal position. This X-ray shows how bone erosion and bone displacement can change the shape of the hand.

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
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