Differential Diagnosis for a 73-year-old Male with a Swollen Elbow
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Osteoarthritis: This is a common condition in elderly individuals, characterized by wear and tear of the joint cartilage, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness in the affected joint, in this case, the elbow.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that can cause swelling, pain, and stiffness in multiple joints, including the elbow.
- Gout: A form of arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, and tenderness in one or more joints, often occurring at the base of the big toe but can also affect the elbow.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints, which can cause swelling and pain in the affected area.
- Trauma or injury: A fall or direct blow to the elbow can cause swelling due to bruising, fracture, or sprain.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial or fungal infection within a joint, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage or sepsis.
- Cellulitis or abscess: Bacterial infections of the skin and soft tissues that can spread to the joint or bone if not treated promptly.
- Fracture or dislocation: Especially in the context of trauma, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Hemophilic arthropathy: Joint disease caused by recurrent bleeding into the joint in individuals with hemophilia.
- Pseudogout (Calcium Pyrophosphate Deposition Disease): A type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain, often accompanied by swelling, similar to gout but caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals.
- Elbow joint tumor or cyst: Although rare, tumors or cysts within or around the elbow joint can cause swelling and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if the swelling is persistent or accompanied by other systemic symptoms.