Tenderness Tracks Ultrasound Findings

Joint tenderness showed broader associations with concurrent ultrasound abnormalities than patient-reported pain among anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide–positive patients without clinical arthritis.

By
Andrea Surnit
July 20, 2026
5 min

MDSpire News

Overview

Joint tenderness was more consistently associated with ultrasound abnormalities than patient-reported joint pain in anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide-positive patients without clinical arthritis.

Background

Understanding the relationship between joint tenderness and ultrasound findings is crucial for early detection of rheumatoid arthritis. This study highlights the association of physical examination findings with ultrasound assessments.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

Joint tenderness was associated with gray-scale abnormalities, power Doppler activity, tenosynovitis, and erosions.
Patient-reported joint pain was associated with gray-scale abnormalities and power Doppler activity but not with erosions.
Absence of tenderness had negative predictive values greater than 96% for power Doppler activity at most joints.
Tenderness showed the broadest association with power Doppler activity at individual joint sites.
Combining tenderness with patient-reported pain did not significantly strengthen associations compared to tenderness alone.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that joint tenderness may serve as a more reliable indicator of ultrasound abnormalities compared to patient-reported pain.

Conclusion

The study provides insights into the relationship between joint tenderness and ultrasound findings.

Tenderness Tracks Ultrasound Findings