Which sign is characteristic of Osteoarthritis at the distal interphalangeal joints?

Which sign is characteristic of Osteoarthritis at the distal interphalangeal joints?

• A. Bouchard's nodes
• B. Ulnar deviation at MCP
• C. Boutonniere deformity
• D. Heberden's nodes at the DIP joints

Answer: (D)

Heberden's nodes at the distal interphalangeal joints are the classic sign of osteoarthritis in the fingers. Osteoarthritis causes degenerative changes with osteophyte formation, and these bony enlargements at the DIP are called Heberden's nodes. In contrast, Bouchard's nodes occur at the proximal interphalangeal joints, not the DIP; ulnar deviation at the MCP is more typical of rheumatoid arthritis due to inflammatory damage and ligament laxity; and Boutonniere deformity is a finger deformity seen with inflammatory conditions like RA, not OA. So the presence of Heberden's nodes at the DIP best indicates osteoarthritis in those joints.

Heberden's nodes at the distal interphalangeal joints are the classic sign of osteoarthritis in the fingers. Osteoarthritis causes degenerative changes with osteophyte formation, and these bony enlargements at the DIP are called Heberden's nodes. In contrast, Bouchard's nodes occur at the proximal interphalangeal joints, not the DIP; ulnar deviation at the MCP is more typical of rheumatoid arthritis due to inflammatory damage and ligament laxity; and Boutonniere deformity is a finger deformity seen with inflammatory conditions like RA, not OA. So the presence of Heberden's nodes at the DIP best indicates osteoarthritis in those joints.