CAMRT Radiography Practice Exam

What is a common complication associated with rheumatoid arthritis seen on radiographs?

1. Joint erosion

2. Bone fractures

3. Osteosarcoma

4. Dislocations

The correct answer is: Joint erosion

A common complication associated with rheumatoid arthritis seen on radiographs is joint erosion. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints, leading to inflammation and damage over time. On radiographic images, this damage is characterized by the gradual erosion of the bone surrounding the joint space, particularly in the hands, feet, and other weight-bearing joints. These erosions are a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis and can indicate the severity of the disease as well as progression. While other conditions such as bone fractures, osteosarcoma, and dislocations can occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, they are not direct complications of the disease itself. Bone fractures may result from weakened bones due to chronic inflammation or corticosteroid use, osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that is unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis, and dislocations can occur due to joint instability but are not as common nor characteristic as joint erosion. Focusing on joint erosion provides insight into the specific pathological changes that radiologists and clinicians must monitor in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.