Exceptional Joint Health Through Our Best Rheumatology Care
Rheumatology
The Rheumatology department diagnoses, manages, and treats musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases. Our mission is to provide comprehensive care, improve patients' quality of life, and advance research in rheumatic conditions. Our rheumatologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are dedicated to delivering personalised and evidence-based care.
Conditions treated by the department
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple organs and tissues, leading to joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and systemic symptoms.
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, resulting in joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
- Spondyloarthropathies are inflammatory diseases affecting the spine and other joints, including ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, resulting in sudden and severe joint pain, commonly affecting the big toe.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels that can affect various organs, leading to fatigue, fever, joint pain, and organ dysfunction.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the moisture-producing glands, leading to dry eyes and mouth, fatigue, and joint pain.
- Connective Tissue Diseases: Conditions such as systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease, and polymyositis/dermatomyositis involving abnormalities in connective tissues and immune system dysfunction.
Procedures performed by the department
- Joint Aspiration and Injection: Removal of fluid from a joint for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, followed by administering medication, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.
- Synovial Biopsy: Removal of a small piece of tissue from the lining of a joint (synovium) for analysis, aiding in the diagnosis of certain rheumatic conditions.
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: Use of ultrasound imaging to visualise and assess joint, tendon, and soft tissue abnormalities.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD) Therapy: Prescription and management of medications that modify the immune response to control inflammation and slow disease progression.
- Biologic Therapy: Administration and monitoring of biological drugs that specifically target molecules involved in the inflammatory process, providing more targeted treatment for certain rheumatic conditions.
FAQ
Chord Road Hospital provides a broad range of diagnostic tests, including blood tests, imaging studies (such as X-rays and MRI scans), joint fluid analysis, and bone density tests, which aid in accurately diagnosing rheumatic conditions.
We have treatment options, including medication management, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, joint injections, and biological therapies customized to each patient's rheumatic condition and needs.
Yes, we specialise in managing autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, providing personalised treatment plans to help the patient to control symptoms and improve quality of life.