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.