[Diagnostic approach to the rheumatoid wrist from plain radiographs].

OBJECTIVE

Monitor a reproducible analysis method based on a simple algorithm.

DIAGNOSIS OF RHEUMATOLOGIC DISEASE IN WRISTS: The first step is to examine the joint space. When the space is preserved, diagnosis may be established on the presence of bony defects, demineralization or erosions.

DIAGNOSIS OF RHEUMATOLOGIC DISEASE IN FINGERS: The first step is to determine whether the patient has degenerative or inflammatory joint disease involving the joint space or bone disease where bony lesions predominate.