Bouchard node

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 2 Aug 2021

Bouchard nodes are a clinical sign relating to bony nodules of the proximal interphalangeal joints and are much less common than Heberden nodes. They generally (but not always) correspond to palpable osteophytes.

Clinical presentation

They are sometimes painful, and are typically associated with limited motion of the affected joint.

Pathology

They are seen mostly in osteoarthritis. Much less commonly, they may be seen in rheumatoid arthritis, where the nodes are caused by antibody deposition to the synovium.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.