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X-Ray of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Hands

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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Nancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
Last Revised June 5, 2012

Last Revised: June 5, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Nancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology

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