Ontario Clinical Practice Exam

Chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis leads to a variety of pathological changes within the joints. As the disease progresses, the prolonged inflammatory process results in damage to the synovial membrane, cartilage, and surrounding bone structures. This can lead to the development of crippling deformities, as the inflammation causes the tissues to thicken and promotes the formation of pannus, which erodes bone and can result in a loss of joint structure and function.

In this context, it is not uncommon for patients to experience joint deformities such as ulnar deviation, swan neck deformities, and boutonnière deformities. This structural damage contributes to both functional limitations and significant pain, which significantly affects the quality of life of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, the option referring to crippling deformities accurately reflects one of the serious complications resulting from chronic inflammation associated with this condition.