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Rheumatology is a discipline of medical science that deals with the study and management of rheumatic diseases. It is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic conditions of the musculoskeletal system, autoimmune diseases, soft tissues and inherited connective tissue disorders. Some common rheumatic diseases are arthritis, dermatomyositis, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, vasculitis, lupus erythematosus, Lyme disease and fibromyalgia. It involves the diagnosis of these diseases by performing physical examination tests such as Schober's test, multiple joint inspection, and musculoskeletal examination. X-rays, laboratory tests including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, and anti-citrullinated protein (anti-CCP) antibody tests are also commonly used for diagnosis in rheumatology. The treatment options available for rheumatic diseases include analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), occupational therapy, and physiotherapy. The severe cases of rheumatic diseases are treated with rheumasurgery or rheumatoid surgery. This book explores the recent trends in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases. A number of latest researches have been included to keep the readers up-to-date with the global concepts in this area of medicine. The book aims to serve as a resource guide for students and experts alike and contribute to the growth of the discipline.
