Taxonomies for application in rheumatic diseases: quests for uniformity.

The technologic explosion in computer science and communications has made possible the development of scientific databases for longterm use, and global applications are becoming feasible. The eventual achievement of maximal utility of such databases dictates the need for uniform terminologies and definitions. A number of prominent efforts toward such uniformity are identified and reviewed with respect to their potential applicability to the arthritis and musculoskeletal disorders.