VIDEO IMAGE-ANALYSIS OF HANDS - DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANATOMIC INDEX AS APOTENTIAL OUTCOME MEASURE IN RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

In this study, we used video image analysis for the measurement of han d dimensions to reflect destructive changes in rheumatoid arthritis. T hirteen dimensions were measured from anteroposterior and lateral view s of the hands, open and closed. Comparison of measurements in 19 pati ents and 19 control subjects showed significant differences for nine o f the 13 measurements. Five were reproducible on retesting in a subset of patients and normals. Two were eliminated because they were simila r to other measurements. The three remaining measurements selected for differentiation of patients and normals, and reproducibility, were co mbined in an arbitrary 'anatomic index'. This enhanced separation of n ormals and patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The results demonstrate that measurement of certain hand dimensions and their combination in an 'anatomic index' could provide a measure reflecting the progressive anatomical abnormality caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Validation of the concept could provide a further outcome measure in patients with r heumatoid arthritis.