[Xeroradiography and its value in the diagnosis of chondrocalcinosis (author's transl)]

Conventional x-ray and xeroradiographic technique were compared in a modified blind study in order to evaluate its efficiency to detect calcifications of the cartilage. Using both techniques knees, hands, and pelvic joints were examined in 16 patients with proven chondrocalcinosis. Three different radiologists evaluated radiological films and xeroradiograms independently. Their results were classified in correct, false negative, and false positive groups. All examiners achieved the best results with xeroradiography. Due to special characteristic features in xeroradiography even fine calcifications were recognized in most cases. By this method the "false negative" results were reduced to almost zero. On the other hand, the twenty percent "false positive" results in conventional radiological technique was eliminated by xeroradiography.