Implementation of Z-scores as an age- and sex-independent parameter for estimating joint space widths in rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To compare normative data of joint space distances (JSD) with the JSD of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as measured by computer-aided joint space analysis (CAJSA) at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) articulations, and to differentiate age- and sex-related alterations from the disease-related joint space narrowing.

Methods: In total, 256 healthy subjects and 248 patients with verified RA (following revised ACR criteria) underwent computerized semiautomated measurements of JSD (CAJSA, version 1.3.

Computer-aided joint space analysis of the metacarpal-phalangeal and proximal-interphalangeal finger joint: normative age-related and gender-specific data.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to provide reference data for computer-aided joint space analysis based on a semi-automated and computer-aided diagnostic system for the measurement of metacarpal-phalangeal and proximal-interphalangeal finger joint widths; additionally, the determination of sex differences and the investigation of changes in joint width with age were evaluated.

Patients And Methods: Eighty hundred and sixty-nine patients (351 female and 518 male) received radiographs of the hand for trauma and were screened for a host of conditions known to affect the joint spaces. All participants underwent measurements of joint space distances at the metacarpal-phalangeal articulation (JSD-MCP) from the thumb to the small finger and at the proximal-interphalangeal articulation (JSD-PIP) from the index finger to the small finger using computer-aided diagnosis technology with semi-automated edge detection.

Computer-aided joint space analysis (CAJSA) of the proximal-interphalangeal joint-normative age-related and gender specific data.

Rationale And Objectives: To provide reference data for computer-aided joint space analysis (CAJSA) based on a semiautomated and computer-aided diagnostic system for the measurement of joint space widths (ie, proximal-interphalangeal joint), considering gender-specific and age-related differences.

Materials And Methods: A total of 869 subjects were enrolled (351 females/518 males) with radiographs of the hand. All participants underwent measurements of joint space distances at the proximal-interphalangeal articulation (JSD-PIP) of the second to fifth finger using CAJSA technology.

Normative reference values of joint space width estimated by computer-aided joint space analysis (CAJSA): the distal interphalangeal joint.

Purpose: The study introduces reference data for a computer-aided analysis. The semiautomated computer-aided diagnostic system provides the estimation of joint space width at the distal interphalangeal joints, considering gender-specific and age-related changes.

Patients And Methods: 869 subjects (351 female/518 male) with hand x-rays were included and underwent measurements of joint space distances at the distal interphalangeal articulation (JSD-DIP) of the second to the fifth finger using computer-aided joint space analysis (CAJSA).

Normative data for digital X-ray radiogrammetry from a female and male German cohort.

This study presents German reference data for digital X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) differentiated by males as well as females, and quantifies for gender-specific and age-related differences including all DXR parameters. This study also documents the effects of different X-ray settings (e.g.

Computerized quantification of joint space narrowing and periarticular demineralization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis based on digital x-ray radiogrammetry.

Objectives: The aim of our work was to evaluate digital x-ray radiogrammetry (DXR) for the quantification of disease-related periarticular demineralization and computerized analysis of joint space distances (JSDA) for the measurement of joint space narrowing as a new diagnostic method for the early detection of joint-associated alterations and for monitoring disease progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Materials And Methods: Digital radiographs in 313 patients with varying severity of RA were performed annually and assessed by 2 radiologists using modified Larsen and also the Sharp scores within an observation period of 3 years. The hand radiographs underwent measurements of bone mineral density (BMD) and metacarpal index (MCI) by DXR, as well as computerized JSDA at the metacarpal-phalangeal articulation (JSD-MCP) for a cross-sectional and longitudinal study design.