Demineralization of the Finger Bones in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparative Study between Visual Estimation and Bone Density Values Determined by the Silver Method

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Abstract
Summary Deformities of the fingers, changes of the soft parts, erosions and uneven demineralization render the determination of bone density in the finger bones unreliable in rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, the roentgenologic methods for bone density determinations demand a specialized radiographic technique and are time-consuming and expensive. The visual assessment of the demineralization grade, even though very approximate, is more valuable, if it is expressed as a figure and not as an indefinite statement. The use of a set of standard bones and the adoption of the direct radiographic enlargement technique is advocated by the writers as an aid for visual estimation. At the present stage of investigation, it seems to be the best method for everyday clinical use.