Definition of Plant thorn arthritis

Plant thorn arthritis: a type of joint inflammation that results from plant matter within the joint from a thorn puncture. Plant thorn arthritis is a noninfectious cause of arthritis that is typically seen in just one joint (monoarthritis). The diagnosis of plant thorn arthritis is made by detection of a piece of thorn within the joint by imaging tests or surgical removal and identification of the thorn fragments. The involved joint may be swollen, painful, reddened, stiff, and may have a reduced range of motion. A surgical procedure known as a synovectomy with joint lavage (joint washout cleaning) is the treatment for plant thorn arthritis.

Also known as: plant thorn synovitis