Which of the following is NOT a joint commonly involved in rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the synovial joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential joint destruction. The joints that are typically involved in RA include the proximal interphalangeal joints, wrist joints, and metacarpophalangeal joints. These joints are part of the hands and are frequently affected due to the symmetric nature of the disease.

The distal interphalangeal joints, however, are generally spared in rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, conditions like osteoarthritis more commonly affect these distal joints. This distinction is critical in the clinical assessment of joint pain and inflammation, as it helps differentiate RA from other types of arthritis.

Understanding the specific joints involved in rheumatoid arthritis is essential for properly diagnosing and managing the disease. The clear pattern of joint involvement serves as a key indicator in identifying RA, which aids in guiding treatment and monitoring disease progression.