The musculoskeletal system consists of such major elements as the skeleton and the muscles. No doctor specializes in one of these components as they are closely connected and function in terms of the processes taking place in this complex system. At that, it could be important to specialize further to learn more about the functioning of the system, diseases, their treatment, and prevention. This brief report is concerned with rheumatoid arthritis as this autoimmune disorder of the joints affects up to 1% of the US population and has a considerable adverse effect on patients’ quality of life (Sharif et al., 2018). Joints consist of muscles, bones, synovium, ligaments, tendon, and cartilage. In healthy joints, the synovium that is a connective-tissue membrane is constituted by up to three layers of cells. This membrane secretes synovial fluid that is essential for proper movement. In joints affected by the disorder, the synovium is sickened and inflamed, which causes pain and swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis destroys joints and bones (in some cases), as well as the disintegration of ligament and tendon laxity (Sharif et al., 2018). These changes may lead to such deformities as hand boutonniere deformity, swan neck deformity, wrist flexion deformity, and others (Sharif et al., 2018). The symptoms of this disorder include pain in joints, swelling and stiffness of joints, the same sign on the two sides of the body, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and weakness (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2019). Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by physical examinations, a review of symptoms, an X-ray, and some laboratory tests. Early diagnosis leads to effective treatment of the symptoms and the damaging effects of the disorder. Treatment involves the subscription of medications (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) that slow down the progress of the disorder and the destruction of joints, as well as soothe the pain. Self-management involves physical activities, weight control, joint protection, and regular visits to a doctor. Effective prevention is yet to be developed for rheumatoid arthritis, and only early diagnosis can help in slowing down the progress of the disorder.
Responses to Peers’ Posts
I agree with your point regarding the benefits of specialization in specific systems rather than complex areas. I also believe that doctors will be able to help patients more effectively if they are concentrated on quite a narrow field, but their knowledge is deep. However, it occurred to me that excessively narrow focus of healthcare professionals can be rather harmful or ineffective. It can be difficult to identify the cause and the effect of certain conditions, so a patient will have to address many doctors whose treatment can be conflicting. The interdisciplinary approach is a potential solution to this problem as different healthcare practitioners can collaborate to develop the most appropriate treatment plan. So, although I believe a focus on a specific system is beneficial, it is critical to make sure that this division is well-thought and evidence-based. Your point regarding the historical aspect is also relevant, so doctors will need particular training and years of practice before the division can be possible.
Having a more profound understanding of the functioning and possible issues related to a system in the human body is critical for effective diagnosis and treatment. I also agree that a physician is a central figure in the process of diagnosis who knows all systems to the extent necessary for the identification of the cause of the malfunction. Patients often have comorbid conditions so several systems may be affected and may need specific attention. Hence, I think that interdisciplinary teams may become the core of the provision of high-quality care at all stages (be it diagnosis or treatment). The appearance of professionals specializing in muscular and skeletal systems may be a near future that is justified and beneficial for health care. However, further advances in the utilization of the interdisciplinary approach are also necessary.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Sharif, K., Sharif, A., Jumah, F., Oskouian, R., & Tubbs, R. S. (2018). Rheumatoid arthritis in review: Clinical, anatomical, cellular and molecular points of view. Clinical Anatomy, 31(2), 216-223.