periarticular

Periarticular is a medical term used to describe tissues or processes occurring around a joint. The word combines peri-, meaning around, with articular, relating to joints. In practice, periarticular structures include the joint capsule and ligaments at the joint margins, the synovial lining adjacent to the articular surfaces, and surrounding soft tissues such as bursae, fat pads, tendons crossing the joint, and nearby muscles.

In clinical medicine, periarticular changes are distinguished from intra-articular pathology, which involves the joint cavity itself. Periarticular inflammation, edema, or calcifications are commonly described in inflammatory or degenerative joint diseases. For example, periarticular osteopenia or erosions near the joint margins can be seen in rheumatoid arthritis; periarticular calcifications can occur with calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease; periarticular swelling may accompany various forms of arthritis or soft-tissue injury.

Imaging terms often refer to periarticular findings on radiographs, ultrasound, or MRI. Recognizing periarticular patterns helps localize disease to structures surrounding the joint and guide treatment such as injections around a joint (periarticular injections) as opposed to intra-articular injections.

Because periarticular refers to location rather than a specific disease, many conditions can have periarticular involvement. The term is widely used across disciplines including radiology, rheumatology, orthopedics, and physical medicine to describe the anatomy and pathology surrounding joints.