Radiographic Scoring-Methods in Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Up-to- date Parameter to Assess the Course of Disease?

Radiographic progression is used to assess joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. Different scoring methods (e. g. van der Heijde modification of the Sharp Score) are established for the quantification of radiographic progression. In several studies focusing on biological and target-synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, these scores have not been able to differentiate radiographic progression in detail. Additionally, the scores are often not used in the clinical routine. Computerbased techniques offer a valid quantification of radiographic progression and a reliable assessment of therapeutic effects. Consequently, computer-based techniques seem to be a promising alternative for the quantification of radiographic progression.