What term describes bony nodules located at the proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands?

The term that describes bony nodules located at the proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands is Bouchard's node. These nodules are commonly associated with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterized by the wearing away of cartilage in joints, leading to bone changes and the formation of such nodules.

Bouchard's nodes specifically appear at the proximal interphalangeal joints, whereas Heberden's nodes occur at the distal interphalangeal joints. This distinction is crucial in understanding the location and implications of the nodules in osteoarthritis. While osteoarthritic nodules is a general term that could refer to different types of bony changes in the context of osteoarthritis, Bouchard's node specifically denotes those at the proximal interphalangeal joints.

Tophi deposits are associated with gout, a different condition characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, and do not relate to the nodules seen in osteoarthritis. Thus, the correct terminology for nodules at the proximal interphalangeal joints is indeed Bouchard's node.