Target joint "new concept of identification"

Abstract

Background: The hallmark of hemophilia is hemarthrosis. All efforts must be made to early diagnose joint bleeding as soon as it occurs and treat it not later than within 2 h of onset by infusing the appropriate clotting factor. This will prevent the accumulation of blood in the joint as well as inflammation and a potential hemophilic arthropathy. Recurrent bleeding prevents the joint from regaining its range of motion, muscle strength, and normal appearance. These changes become permanent, leading eventually to osteoarthritis. A bleeds joint requires urgent and comprehensive management, especially in young patients, if permanent damage is to be prevented. Methods: The author conducted a comprehensive review and synthesis of the relevant literature. The author reviewed all compiled reports from computerized searches. Searches were limited to English language sources and human subjects. Literature citations were generally restricted to published manuscripts appearing in journals listed in Index Medicus and reflected literature published up to July, 2013. Results: The aim of this study was to introduce the new criteria (joint at risk) for early identification of "bleeds joint" for early diagnosis and effective management to prevent the joint to become chronic synovitis "target joint." Conclusion: The new concept of identifying "target joint" in this study is aiming to prevent the joint of hemophilic patient to progress to stage of chronic synovitis "target joint" by early identification of bleeds joint.

Keywords

• Arthropathy
• hemoarthrosis
• hemophilia
• prevention
• synovitis
• target joint