[Determination of early changes in the rheumatoid hand with an electronic color analyser].

Using soft rays, X-ray pictures were taken of the hands of patients with possible and probable rheumatoid arthritis, and were then subjected to electronic colour analysis. This method represents a contribution to early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, makes the distinction between the joint capsule and rheumatoid pannus possible, and ensures the early discovery of cartilage damage, which has not been possible with any other noninvasive method.