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Patient Education

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn about general health issues that may not be related to Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein

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.

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
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