Painless effusions in joints in congenital syphilis is called –
**Core Concept**
Congenital syphilis is a condition where a child is born with syphilis, a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. This condition can lead to various clinical manifestations, including musculoskeletal symptoms. Painless effusions in joints are a characteristic feature of congenital syphilis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In congenital syphilis, painless effusions in joints are a result of the inflammatory response to the infection. The infection causes an immune response, leading to the production of inflammatory mediators, which accumulate in the joint fluid, causing effusion. The absence of pain is due to the fact that the effusion is not accompanied by significant joint inflammation or damage.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not specifically relate to congenital syphilis. Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause joint effusions, but they are typically painful.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is not a recognized term in the context of congenital syphilis.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a term associated with a different condition, such as osteoarthritis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In addition to painless effusions, congenital syphilis can also cause other musculoskeletal symptoms, such as periostitis (inflammation of the periosteum, a layer of connective tissue surrounding bones) and osteochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage and bone).
**Correct Answer:** C. Clutton's joints.