Heberden's nodes are classically associated with which condition?

Heberden's nodes are bony growths that develop on the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers and are characteristically associated with degenerative joint disease, more commonly known as osteoarthritis. This condition is marked by the degeneration of cartilage and the formation of bone spurs, leading to joint changes that can manifest as Heberden's nodes.

In osteoarthritis, as the cartilage wears away, the bones may respond by forming these nodes as part of the degenerative process. The presence of Heberden's nodes can be an important clinical indicator when assessing a patient for osteoarthritis, particularly in older adults who often experience this condition.

In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the proximal interphalangeal joints and often involves a more systemic inflammatory process, which does not lead to the same bony growths as seen with osteoarthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can also present with other types of joint involvement but is not specifically characterized by the presence of Heberden's nodes. Septic arthritis involves an infectious process that causes acute inflammation in a joint, which would not lead to the formation of Heberden's nodes. Thus, the association of Heberden's nodes specifically with degenerative joint disease solid