The clinical assessment of joint inflammatory activity in rheumatoid arthritis related to radiological progression.

A simple clinical method for the assessment of joint disease activity is described, and analysed with respect to radiological progression of erosive disease. Ninety-four patients with rheumatoid arthritis attending a special research clinic as part of a prospective study were studied over a three-year period. A significant correlation was found between clinical activity, assessed at intervals of four months, and progressive erosive disease but not with juxta-articular osteoporosis. This clinical method compares favourably with a modification of the articular index described by the Cooperating Clinics of North America.