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Differential Diagnosis for Polyarthritis Post Hip Replacement

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Reactive Arthritis or Post-Surgical Arthritis: This condition is a common reaction to surgical stress, especially after a major surgery like hip replacement. The body's immune response can lead to inflammation in multiple joints, causing swelling, heat, and arthralgia.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Infection (Prosthetic Joint Infection): Although less common, infection of the prosthetic joint is a significant concern post-surgery. Symptoms can include localized signs of infection such as redness, warmth, and swelling around the surgical site, as well as systemic signs like fever.
  • Crystal Arthropathy (Gout or Pseudogout): These conditions can be triggered by the stress of surgery, leading to sudden onset of joint pain and swelling. Gout typically affects a single joint initially, but pseudogout can affect multiple joints.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Flare or New Onset: While less common, the stress of surgery can trigger a flare in patients with pre-existing RA or even lead to the new onset of RA in susceptible individuals.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Septic Arthritis: This is a medical emergency where a joint becomes infected with bacteria. It requires immediate attention and treatment to prevent destruction of the joint and potential systemic complications.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE): These conditions can present with pain and swelling in the legs and are significant risks post-surgery, especially after hip replacement. They are life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Serum Sickness: A rare immune system reaction that can occur after exposure to certain medications or foreign proteins, leading to symptoms that include arthralgia, rash, and fever.
  • Hematoma or Bleeding Disorder: Although rare, a significant bleed into the joint or surrounding tissues can cause swelling and pain. Underlying bleeding disorders can increase this risk.
  • Lupus or Other Autoimmune Disorders: In rare cases, surgery can trigger the onset of autoimmune disorders like lupus, which can present with polyarthritis among other systemic symptoms.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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