[Progress in diagnosis in osteo-articular pathology (author's transl)]

Osteo-articular diagnosis is too often considered at present to be synonymous with radiological diagnosis. This has come to be almost a sine qua non. Nevertheless a normal X-ray does not mean that the patient is free of disease. On the contrary, there exists the considerable handicap of the latent period between the onset of disease and the appearance of radiological signs. If blind faith in such a notion is allowed to persist, a profitable means of progress is closed both to our discipline and pathology in general. Over the last decade has emerged a new tendency towards the study of the initial phases of disease and an earlier diagnosis during the pre-radiological phase. This tendency, which opens new perspectives, already enjoys highly promising success and deserves wider recognition, encouragement, development and study. It results more from an attitude of mind rather than the development of a technique and for this reason should lead to the suggestion of other methods and solutions. In bringing us closer to the source of the pathological process it will aid in better understanding of its true nature and pathogenesis. In a word, it will help us to understand the starting phases of disease whilst radiology reveals only the active process. Inasmuch as early physiopathological processes are reversible, it should open the door to new therapeutic approaches.