Heberden nodes are associated with osteoarthritis of which joints?

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Multiple Choice

Heberden nodes are associated with osteoarthritis of which joints?

Explanation:
Heberden nodes reflect osteoarthritis affecting the distal interphalangeal joints, the joints at the tips of the fingers. They are hard, bony enlargements formed by osteophytes and cartilage degeneration at the margins of the DIP joints. This location is what makes them a classic sign of OA in the hands. By contrast, nodules at the proximal interphalangeal joints (Bouchard nodes) occur at the PIP joints, not the DIP. The temporomandibular joint can undergo OA, but Heberden nodes are not a feature there, and MCP joint involvement is more typical of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. So the presence of Heberden nodes specifically points to osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joints.

Heberden nodes reflect osteoarthritis affecting the distal interphalangeal joints, the joints at the tips of the fingers. They are hard, bony enlargements formed by osteophytes and cartilage degeneration at the margins of the DIP joints. This location is what makes them a classic sign of OA in the hands. By contrast, nodules at the proximal interphalangeal joints (Bouchard nodes) occur at the PIP joints, not the DIP. The temporomandibular joint can undergo OA, but Heberden nodes are not a feature there, and MCP joint involvement is more typical of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. So the presence of Heberden nodes specifically points to osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joints.

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