Chronic Lyme disease arthritis: review of the literature and report of a case of wrist arthritis.

Abstract

A case of Lyme arthritis with advanced degenerative changes localized to the midcarpal joint was treated with a limited wrist arthrodesis with relief of pain and improved function. Chronic Lyme arthritis occurs as the third stage of Lyme disease. Serologic testing and a history of a characteristic rash may be helpful in the diagnosis. Radiographic and histopathologic findings are nonspecific, with both degenerative and inflammatory characteristics. Intravenous antibiotics provide an effective treatment of chronic Lyme arthritis.

• Authors: T A Scerpella, W D Engber
• Journal: The Journal of hand surgery (J Hand Surg Am) Vol. 17 Issue 3 Pg. 571-5 (May 1992) ISSN: 0363-5023 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1613242 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Adult
• Arthritis (diagnosis, etiology, surgery)
• Arthrodesis
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Humans
• Lyme Disease (complications, diagnosis, surgery)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• Wrist Joint (diagnostic imaging, surgery)