Orthopedics IM EORE (Internal Medicine) | 18 Questions | Rheumatology, Gout, SLE, Scleroderma | 2025

This document contains 18 expertly verified flashcard-style questions and answers focused on high-yield orthopedic and rheumatologic disorders for the Internal Medicine End-of-Rotation Exam (IM EORE) in 2025. It emphasizes inflammatory, metabolic, and autoimmune musculoskeletal conditions, with detailed diagnostic features, hallmark symptoms, and stepwise treatments. The guide covers crystal arthropathies including: Gout (podagra, negatively birefringent urate crystals, punched-out lesions on X-ray), with treatment options such as NSAIDs, colchicine, allopurinol, and febuxostat. Pseudogout (positively birefringent calcium pyrophosphate crystals, chondrocalcinosis), treated similarly to gout. Extensive attention is given to autoimmune connective tissue diseases: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with classic malar rash, arthritis, and lab markers like ANA, anti-dsDNA, and anti-Sm. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) with CREST syndrome, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and key antibodies (anticentromere, SCL-70). Sjogren syndrome, characterized by xerostomia, xerophthalmia, and positive anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB. Polymyositis and polymyalgia rheumatica, both presenting with muscle-related symptoms but differentiated by lab markers, age, and response to corticosteroids. Reactive arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome) presenting after GI or GU infections with the classic triad of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis. The document also includes: Fibromyalgia, a diagnosis of exclusion with widespread pain and fatigue, managed through Lyrica, antidepressants, and exercise. Polyarteritis nodosa, a multi-organ vasculitis requiring angiography or biopsy and treated with high-dose corticosteroids. Compartment syndrome, a critical orthopedic emergency defined by pain out of proportion to injury and treated surgically with fasciotomy. This guide is ideal for: PA students preparing for IM EORE Orthopedics and Rheumatology Medical students (MD/DO) reviewing musculoskeletal and autoimmune disorders for boards or rotations Nursing and NP students covering chronic musculoskeletal conditions and systemic inflammatory syndromes Students preparing for PANCE, USMLE Step 2, or COMLEX needing quick, high-yield rheumatology facts With its clear structure and concise Q&A format, this document supports both rapid memorization and clinical application in diagnosing and managing key orthopedic and systemic inflammatory conditions. Keywords: gout, pseudogout, fibromyalgia, SLE, ANA, anti-dsDNA, polyarteritis nodosa, polymyositis, polymyalgia rheumatica, Reiter syndrome, reactive arthritis, scleroderma, CREST, Sjogren syndrome, anti-Ro, anti-La, compartment syndrome, fasciotomy, rheumatoid markers, musculoskeletal pain, autoimmune rheumatology, EORE orthopedics