COMMON NON-ARTICULAR SYNDROMES AMONG NIGERIANS

¹Oguntona S.A., ²Adelowo O.O. and ¹Edunjobi S.A.

¹Rheumatology Unit Department of Medicine Olabisi Onabanjo University Sagamu,Ogun State. Nigeria

²Arthrimed Specialist Clinic Ikeja, Lagos

E- mail- oguntonasa@yahoo.com

Abstract: Background- non-articular pain syndrome forms a broad spectrum of health problems. Most of the conditions are poorly defined according to diagnostic criteria. The impact of these conditions on health care and society is high. Aetiological factors are poorly understood, however, many physical, psychosocial and work related factors are implicated. Lack of good knowledge on the risk factors does not allow for a good prevention strategies. Methods- this is a prospective study of all the patients seen in the rheumatology clinic over a period of three years (July 2009 – June 2012). Detailed history and examination were carried out to rule out articular problems. Those with articular disease and past history of injury or trauma to the affected joint region were excluded from the study. Results- sixty patients were diagnosed with non-articular pain syndrome out of a total of 336 that presented within the study period. Upper limb non-articular syndromes were the commonest. Generalized non-articular syndrome was predominantly found in females and the condition was positively associated with psychosocial disturbances. Conclusion- non-articular pain syndrome is very uncommon among the adolescents. Non-articular pain disorders are diagnosed based on clinical grounds. Imaging and laboratory testing is usually not necessary unless the diagnosis is in question. Most non-articular pain syndrome can be managed conservatively and rarely is surgical intervention necessary.