Lyme arthritis occurs most commonly in late stages of Lyme disease, usually several months after the onset. About 60 percent of patients who are left untreated for Lyme disease develop Lyme arthritis, according to the report.
Aristides Cruz, MD, the study’s author, says that most cases of Lyme arthritis are brief and involve a single joint. In late stages, Lyme arthritis may be difficult to distinguish from other disease processes. Lyme arthritis can be treated wit horal antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage symptoms. In some patients, surgical treatment may be necessary to remove diseased synovial tissue.
Read the AAOS release on Lyme arthritis.
Read other coverage on AAOS:
– AAOS: 5 Tips for Selecting Orthopedic Physician Partners
– AAOS: Guideline and Recommendations on Rotator Cuff Repair
– AAOS: Internet-Based Rehab Viable After Knee Surgery
