Osteoarthritis of the hip and Heberden's nodes.

One hundred consecutive patients with proved osteoarthritis were assessed for the presence of terminal interphalangeal joint disease. There was a significant association found between the presence of Heberden's nodes and primary (axillary) arthritis. Secondary osteoarthritis was relatively free of nodal involvement. It is suggested that Heberden's nodes are a helpful clinical marker in differentiating between the two major groups of osteoarthritis.