The joint diseases Miniatlas

The joints are structures that act as a means of union between the different bony elements of the skeleton. Their function makes it possible to perform a wide variety of complex, finely coordinated movements, which represent a fundamental part of the daily activities of the human being.

There are many diseases of the joints and they constitute one of the pathologies of highest prevalence in the world; they are therefore the cause of a large proportion of medical consultations. These disorders, with numerous etiologies, from traumatic to inflammatory, can give rise to a significant deterioration in joint function, with varying degrees of limitation of movement.

In many cases they are self-limiting disorders that only require the application of therapeutic measures to relieve the associated symptoms.

In other cases, the symptoms indicate a more severe disease, requiring a more detailed clinical evaluation, together with a series of laboratory analyses and other procedures to confirm the diagnosis or demonstrate the severity of the pathological process. The majority of the joint diseases require a rapid diagnosis in order to prevent the development of significant sequelae which, in some cases, can become extremely disabling.