Arthritis mutilans is a severe and destructive form of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and, less commonly, rheumatoid arthritis. It’s characterized by significant bone and joint damage, particularly in the hands and feet, leading to shortening and telescoping of digits. This can result in “opera glass hands” or “telescopic fingers”, where fingers appear to fold like an opera glass.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Causes:
Arthritis mutilans is primarily associated with PsA, but can also occur in advanced rheumatoid arthritis or independently. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it’s thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms:
The main symptom is the progressive shortening and destruction of bones in the hands and feet, often leading to “pencil-in-cup” deformities where bones appear sharp and the connecting bone has a cup shape. This can result in instability and pain in the joints, difficulty with daily activities, and potential loss of mobility.
Diagnosis:
Doctors use a combination of physical examination, imaging tests (like X-rays), and the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) to diagnose PsA and arthritis mutilans.