Rheumatologic conditions of the wrist.

With the exception of the arthritis associated with rubella, acute wrist conditions have no pathognomonic physical findings. The primary physician can diagnose and treat the majority of wrist problems presented. Referral to a rheumatologist is necessary only when confronted with an anxious patient or an individual having persistent wrist pain and swelling of obscure etiology. This article focuses on rheumatologic problems of the wrist that are most likely to come to the attention of the primary physician.