ABSTRACT

Pain in one joint area may occur due to a problem with the joint (arthritis, internal

derangement), from adjacent bone (fracture, tumor, osteomyelitis), or from

surrounding soft tissues (ligament, bursa, tendon, muscle, or nerve). Arthritis

generally causes diffuse joint pain which is aggravated by movement. The

presence of an effusion and limitation of active and passive range of motion in all

planes strongly supports an intra-articular process, although these findings may

also result from a problem in the adjacent bone. Alternatively, a juxta-articular

bone or soft tissue problem usually has localized pain and limitation of active

range of motion in only one plane with preserved passive motion.