Heberden's nodes are classically located at which joints?

Heberden's nodes are classically located at which joints?

• A. PIP
• B. Wrist
• C. DIP
• D. MCP

Answer: (C)

Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements that form at the distal interphalangeal joints—the joints nearest the fingertips. They are a classic sign of osteoarthritis, reflecting osteophyte development on the DIP joints as cartilage wears down. This location helps distinguish osteoarthritis from other conditions: rheumatoid arthritis more commonly involves the proximal interphalangeal joints and the MCP joints, while the DIP is typically spared in RA and is the hallmark site for Heberden's nodes. The corresponding nodal swellings at the proximal interphalangeal joints are called Bouchard's nodes, which further helps in differentiating the two.

Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements that form at the distal interphalangeal joints—the joints nearest the fingertips. They are a classic sign of osteoarthritis, reflecting osteophyte development on the DIP joints as cartilage wears down. This location helps distinguish osteoarthritis from other conditions: rheumatoid arthritis more commonly involves the proximal interphalangeal joints and the MCP joints, while the DIP is typically spared in RA and is the hallmark site for Heberden's nodes. The corresponding nodal swellings at the proximal interphalangeal joints are called Bouchard's nodes, which further helps in differentiating the two.