How Pediatric Dermatologists Can Screen for Joint Issues

The Rapid Joint Examination Technique (R-JET) is a screening examination for arthritis that can be incorporated into the routine dermatological examination when patients complain of joint discomfort, especially those with skin disorders that are known to be associated with arthritis. Many conditions seen by dermatologists have joint manifestations, so evaluating patients for articular disease is an important component of dermatologic care. However, many dermatologists feel limited by short office visit times and lack of confidence in performing a joint examination. This video demonstration of the R-JET is a teaching tool to address this problem.
The R-JET examination takes less than one minute, so it can fit into a short office visit. Although it is quick, this technique can provide great benefit for determining whether joint symptoms warrant a rheumatology referral. Highlighting key findings from the examination can assist in providing helpful details for the referral. More information on the development and motivation behind this video can be found in the article "Incorporating Joint Pain Screening into the Pediatric Dermatologic Examination" that will be published soon in the Pediatric Dermatology journal.
Video Credits: The R-JET Training Video was written by Dr. Amy Paller, Dr. Brian Nolan, and Andrea Rustad, all of whom appear in the video. The video was directed, produced, and edited by Michael Boctor. Dr. Amy Paller is the chair of the Department of Dermatology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and a pediatric dermatologist at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Dr. Brian Nolan is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and a pediatric rheumatologist at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Andrea and Michael are students in the MD Class of 2023 at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Ayelet Ollech, a pediatric dermatologist, also contributed significantly to this project and creation of the R-JET.