Differential Diagnosis for 95 year old with right CMC joint swelling

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of joint swelling in the elderly, especially in the CMC joint. The age of the patient and the location of the swelling make osteoarthritis a highly probable diagnosis.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: Although less common than osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can cause swelling in the CMC joint, especially if the patient has a history of the disease.
  • Gout: Gout is another common cause of joint swelling in the elderly, and the CMC joint can be affected, especially if the patient has a history of gout or hyperuricemia.
  • Psoriatic Arthritis: This condition can cause swelling in the CMC joint, especially if the patient has a history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses
  • Septic Arthritis: Although less common, septic arthritis is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment. The patient's age and potential comorbidities increase the risk of septic arthritis.
  • Crystal Arthropathy (Pseudogout): Similar to gout, pseudogout can cause sudden onset of joint swelling, and the CMC joint can be affected.
  • Hemarthrosis: Bleeding into the joint can cause swelling, and the patient's age increases the risk of bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Hemochromatosis: This genetic disorder can cause joint swelling, including in the CMC joint, due to iron accumulation.
  • Wilson's Disease: This rare genetic disorder can cause joint swelling, including in the CMC joint, due to copper accumulation.
  • Charcot Joint: This condition can cause joint swelling and destruction, especially in patients with diabetes or other neuropathic conditions.