Objective Measurement of Joint Stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Abstract
Summary A brief description of a method for measurement of joint stiffness originally described by Wright and Johns is given. We have used this method with slight modifications in studying joint stiffness in normal cases and in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Morning stiffness and its relation to grip power and pinching has been studied and the effect of temperature changes and synovectomy is illustrated. A comparison between objective and subjective joint stiffness is made with special reference to the use of the Lansbury systemic index as a disease activity parameter in rheumatoid arthritis. The relation between joint stiffness and other disease activity parameters in rheumatoid arthritis is discussed. We have found this method for objective measurement of joint stiffness to be useful in the clinical assessment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Steinbrocker Stages I and II. In more advanced stages anatomical damage of the metacarpophalangeal joint usually makes it difficult to get reproduceable results.