Rheumatology
Rheumatology (Greek ῥεῦμα, rheûma, flowing current) is a branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis and management of disorders whose common feature is inflammation in the bones, muscles, joints, and internal organs.[1] Rheumatology covers more than 100 different complex diseases, collectively known as rheumatic diseases, which includes many forms of arthritis as well as lupus and Sjögren's syndrome.[1] Doctors who have undergone formal training in rheumatology are called rheumatologists.
For the journal, see Rheumatology (journal).System
Many of these diseases are now known to be disorders of the immune system, and rheumatology has significant overlap with immunology, the branch of medicine that studies the immune system.
Occupation
Doctor, Medical Specialist
- Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
- Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS/MBChB)
Research directions[edit]
Recently, a large body of scientific research deals with the background of autoimmune disease, the cause of many rheumatic disorders. Also, the field of osteoimmunology has emerged to further examine the interactions between the immune system, joints, and bones. Epidemiological studies and medication trials are also being conducted. The Rheumatology Research Foundation is the largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training in the United States.
History[edit]
Rheum surgery emerged in the cooperation of rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons in Heinola, Finland, during the 1950s.[15]
In 1970 a Norwegian investigation estimated that at least 50% of patients with rheumatic symptoms needed rheumasurgery as an integrated part of their treatment.[16]
The European Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgical Society (ERASS) was founded in 1979.[17]
Around the turn of the 21st century, focus for treatment of patients with rheumatic disease shifted, and pharmacological treatment became dominant, while surgical interventions became rarer.[18][19]