Joints

Changed by Daniel J Bell, 30 Jun 2021

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Joints, also known as articulations, are a form of connection between bones. They provide stability to the skeletal system, as well as allowing for specialised movement.

Gross anatomy

Joints can be classified into three broad types according to the tissue that binds them.

Structural types

Functional types

synarthroses: allow very little, if any, movement
amphiarthroses: allow a small amount of movement
diarthroses: freely moving

Classification - size

For the purposes of describing arthropathy, the joints of the appendicular skeleton are traditionally divided into large and small joints. These have been formally defined by the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism in their 2010 rheumatoid arthritis guidelines as. ¹:

Large joints

Small joints

~~-</ul><p>{{youtube:https://www.youtube.com/embed/N9Jnn7CO8E4}}</p>~~
+</ul><p>{{youtube:https://www.youtube.com/embed/N9Jnn7CO8E4}}</p><h5>Classification - size</h5><p>For the purposes of describing arthropathy, the joints of the <a href="/articles/appendicular-skeleton">appendicular skeleton</a> are traditionally divided into large and small joints. These have been formally defined by the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism in their 2010 <a href="/articles/rheumatoid-arthritis">rheumatoid arthritis</a> guidelines as. <sup>1</sup>:</p><h6>Large joints</h6><ul>
+<li><a href="/articles/shoulder">shoulders</a></li>
+<li><a href="/articles/elbow">elbows</a></li>
+<li><a href="/articles/hip-joint-1">hips</a></li>
+<li><a href="/articles/knee-joint-1">knees</a></li>
+<li><a href="/articles/ankle-joint-2">ankles</a></li>
+</ul><h6>Small joints</h6><ul>
+<li><a href="/articles/metacarpophalangeal-joint">metacarpophalangeal joints</a></li>
+<li><a href="/articles/interphalangeal-joint-of-the-hand">proximal interphalangeal joints</a></li>
+<li><a href="/articles/metatarsophalangeal-joint">second to fifth metatarsophalangeal joints</a></li>
+<li><a href="/articles/thumb-interphalangeal-joint">thumb interphalangeal joints</a></li>
+<li><a href="/articles/wrist">wrists</a></li>
+</ul>

References changed:

1. Aletaha D, Neogi T, Silman AJ, Funovits J, Felson DT, Bingham CO, Birnbaum NS, Burmester GR, Bykerk VP, Cohen MD, Combe B, Costenbader KH, Dougados M, Emery P, Ferraccioli G, Hazes JM, Hobbs K, Huizinga TW, Kavanaugh A, Kay J, Kvien TK, Laing T, Mease P, Ménard HA, Moreland LW, Naden RL, Pincus T, Smolen JS, Stanislawska-Biernat E, Symmons D, Tak PP, Upchurch KS, Vencovsky J, Wolfe F, Hawker G. 2010 rheumatoid arthritis classification criteria: an American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism collaborative initiative. (2010) Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 69 (9): 1580-8. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/ard.2010.138461">doi:10.1136/ard.2010.138461</a> - <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20699241">Pubmed</a> <span class="ref_v4"></span>