Describe how you would be able to differentiate them from each other in an exam.

Utilizing Chapter 14 of your Goolsby and Grubbs text, select one common diagnosis and one less-common diagnosis for the musculoskeletal system. Describe how you would be able to differentiate them from each other in an exam. Common- osteoarthritis Less common- gonococcal arthritis

MODEL ANSWER

Musculoskeletal System Disorders

Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis disorder that affects millions of individuals globally. This type of disorder occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning bone ends wears out with time. Even though osteoarthritis can damage any joint, in most cases, the disorder affects joints in the spine, head, knees, and hips. Although the symptoms of osteoarthritis can be managed at an early stage, damages caused to the joints cannot be reversed (Goolsby & Grubbs, 2014).  However, maintaining a healthy weight, remaining active, and some common interventions can slow the disease’s progression and help to enhance pain and joint functionality. Osteoarthritis has, for long, been termed as a wear and tear disorder. However, besides the cartilage breakdown, the disease affects the entire joint, given that it results in bone changes and damage of the connective tissues that hold the joint together and attach muscle to the bone. Additionally, the disease leads to inflammation of the joint lining (Roy et al., 2017).

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Gonococcal arthritis is a less common disorder mainly caused by the sexually transmitted infection (STI), gonorrhea. The disease causes painful inflammation of tissues and joints. Gonorrhea is a common STI disorder among young adults and teens. According to The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, more than 800,000 new gonorrhea infections are experienced every year in the United States (Goolsby & Grubbs, 2014). Although gonococcal arthritis is treated much easily by antibiotics, most people fail to seek treatment for STIs on time mainly due to the stigma associated with STIs, lack of knowledge of disease symptoms, or absence of physical symptoms.

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Osteoarthritis is mainly characterized by progressive changes such as diminishing joint spaces, osteophyte formation, and sclerosis. The rate of sedimentation for Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid factor are negative (Roy et al., 2017). On the other hand Gonococcal arthritis is mainly characterized by a C-reactive of protein and an elevated rate of sedimentation. Additionally, joint distention which can lead to joint destruction, synodic fluid with high …

References

Goolsby, M. J., & Grubbs, L. (2014). Musculoskeletal System. Advanced Assessment: Interpreting Findings and Formulating Differential Diagnoses, 403.

Roy, J. S., Bouyer, L. J., Langevin, P., & Mercier, C. (2017). Beyond the joint: the role of central nervous system reorganizations in chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 47(11), 817-821.