Finger and Thumb Joint Osteoarthritis: Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests.

  • Small blood count
  • Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) [osteoarthritis: normal; reactive osteoarthritis: + /-]
  • Uric acid

Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification.

  • Examination of the joint punctate
  • Rheumatoid factor (RF)
  • ANA (antinuclear antibodies) – if rheumatic disease is suspected.
  • Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) – biomarker for articular cartilage destruction.
    • Fragments of the protein are released from articular cartilage by inflammatory, traumatic, or degenerative processes; elevated serum COMP levels are found in primary and posttraumatic osteoarthritis
    • High serum levels are a prognostic marker for early osteoarthritis of predominantly large joints.
    • After injuries such as knee ligament rupture, the prognosis is relatively poor with persistently elevated levels.
  • Arthritis diagnostics