Musculoskeletal2 UKMLA questions
Reactive arthritis — UKMLA Revision Notes
Reactive arthritis is an important clinical condition in Musculoskeletal that is tested in the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). Medical students and doctors preparing for the UKMLA or PLAB 1 must understand the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigations, and evidence-based management of Reactive arthritis as outlined in current NICE guidelines.
Key Facts
- Reactive arthritis is a key condition on the GMC UKMLA Content Map
- Commonly tested in the Musculoskeletal section of the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test
- Understand the pathophysiology, clinical features, investigations, and management
- NICE guidelines provide the evidence base for management decisions
- Consider differential diagnoses and red flag symptoms in clinical scenarios
Investigations
- X-ray of affected joint
- FBC, CRP, ESR
- Rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP
- ANA, dsDNA
- Joint aspiration
- MRI joint
Management
- Analgesia (paracetamol, NSAIDs)
- Physiotherapy and exercise
- DMARDs (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine) for inflammatory arthritis
- Biologics (anti-TNF) if refractory
- Rheumatology outpatient follow-up
- Orthopaedic referral if surgical intervention needed