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Rheumatology

Rheumatology

Rheumatology

Rheumatology department is to provide diagnostic and therapeutic care for patients suffering from one of the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system: articular rheumatism, spinal column diseases, bone diseases, muscular or tendon pathologies, osteoarthritis.

Rheumatology department is to provide diagnostic and therapeutic care for patients suffering from one of the pathologies of the musculoskeletal system: articular rheumatism, spinal column diseases, bone diseases, muscular or tendon pathologies, osteoarthritis.

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    Bone Diseases

    All practitioners
    Consultation schedule

    Joint pain

    All practitioners
    Consultation schedule

    Polyarthritis Spondyloarthritis

    All practitioners
    Consultation schedule

    Spine

    All practitioners
    Consultation schedule

    Osteoarthritis

    All practitioners
    Consultation schedule

    Ultrasound

    All practitioners
    Consultation schedule

    Therapeutic education

    Nurses
    Consultation schedule

      Composition of service

      • 2 university professors – hospital practitioners
      • Hospital practitioners
      • 3 regional specialist assistants
      • 1 senior health manager
      • 3 health executives
      • 1 social worker
      • 3 medical secretaries
      • Hospital service agents
    • Our support

      The units

      The rheumatology department includes a conventional hospitalization unit (capacity of 8 beds; unit operating continuously) , a day hospitalization unit / Ambulatory Medicine Unit (open Monday to Friday) and a consultation unit .

      The conventional unit

      The care activity is divided between diagnosis (clinical assessment, requests for additional examinations: biology, X-rays, scanner, MRI , etc.) and the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

      Hospitalized patients are referred to these units by rheumatologists and general practitioners in the region or are transferred from the emergency department.

      The day hospitalization unit ( HDJ ) or Ambulatory Medicine Unit ( UMA )

      The patients are hospitalized there for the realization of programmed complementary explorations or for a treatment which can be punctual or administered at regular intervals (such as the treatment of chronic inflammatory rheumatism by biotherapy) .

      The treatment of rheumatological conditions is based on drugs (anti-inflammatories, analgesics, "basic" treatments for rheumatism, biotherapies) , the performance of infiltrations and on physiotherapy and functional rehabilitation care (organized in collaboration with the Aftercare & Rehabilitation ) . A podiatry-pedicure care office is open to patients hospitalized in one of the CHU departments.

      The consultation unit

      Within this unit, general rheumatology joint ultrasound consultations .
      Indeed, joint ultrasound helps the rheumatologist in his diagnostic and therapeutic process. Consultation slots are dedicated to interventional rheumatology acts (punctures and joint infiltrations) carried out under ultrasound control.

      Patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatism can benefit from therapeutic education allowing them to better understand their disease and to participate actively in the therapeutic management of their rheumatism.

      A consultation in collaboration with the occupational pathologies service is open to patients followed for a rheumatological disease wishing support in the face of the difficulties encountered in their work.

      The rheumatology department has privileged links with other departments of the CHU: the orthopedic -traumatology , neuroradiology, neurosurgery and the pain relief centre.

      Pathologies

      Rheumatoid arthritis

      Joint inflammation (painful swelling of the joint) preferentially affecting the joints of the wrists of the fingers and feet. Joint pain occurs preferentially at night.

      In its severe form, it exposes to joint damage and justifies rapid diagnostic and therapeutic management.

      The diagnosis is based on clinical, biological, ultrasound and radiographic arguments. Methotrexate and biotherapies are the therapies most often used.

      Ankylosing spondylitis

      Inflammatory condition preferentially affecting the spine and pelvis and which can, in its severe form, lead to spinal ankylosis

      It is manifested by pain in the spine, buttocks, predominantly at night. The diagnosis is based on clinical, biological and radiological arguments.

      Osteoarthritis

      “Premature wear” of the joint, secondary to a degeneration of the cartilage, osteoarthritis can affect many joints of the limbs or the spine.

      It is the cause of chronic pain and functional impairment in daily activities. Osteoarthritis pain can be relieved by various local or general therapies.

      Osteoporosis

      Bone fragility that can lead to the occurrence of fractures. Osteoporosis can be detected by bone densitometry, which measures bone mass.

      Osteoporosis is sometimes secondary to another pathology. Different therapies are now available that reduce the risk of a fracture occurring.

      shoulder tendonitis

      Chronic tendinitis of the tendons of the shoulder. It is a very common condition favored by certain sports or professional activities.

      Diagnosis is initially based on clinical examination, radiography and ultrasound. Treatment combines drugs, functional rehabilitation and, sometimes, surgery.

      Carpal tunnel syndrome

      Results from compression of the median nerve at the wrist and results in numbness of the fingers often occurring at night.

      One or more corticosteroid infiltrations in the wrist can bring healing. In the event of failure, treatment under ultrasound or surgical guidance may be considered.

      Spinal pathology

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    Locate / contact service

    CHU Caen Normandy

    Côte de Nacre Hospital

    Avenue de la Côte de Nacre
    CS 30001
    14033 Caen cedex 9


    Rheumatology

    Service Secretariat


    Level GPS accessCar park Hall
    Consultation tray · Door M
    Côte de Nacre Tower
    Level : 1
    GPS access: Côte de Nacre
    Car Park: Car Park 2
    Ambulatory Medicine Unit
    Côte de Nacre Tower
    Level : 15
    GPS Access: Main
    Car Park: Car Park 1
    Conventional Hospitalization Unit
    Côte de Nacre Tower
    Level : 18
    GPS Access: Main
    Car Park: Car Park 1