[Soft tissue changes in the wrist in chronic polyarthritis. Results of weak-radiation exposures in 3 planes]

The x-ray anatomy of the soft tissues of the wrist in three views is described and the normal width of the joint capsules, tendon sheaths and tendons at 25 suitable measurement point determined. Only the saccular recess of the inferior radio-ulnar joint depends on sex and age. The normal width of the soft tissues differs considerably within a group of individuals but not between both sides of a single person. As the width of some soft tissues depends on slight deviations from the standard position an identical and exact position is a prerequisite when both sides are to be compared. The shape of the soft tissue changes in rheumatoid arthritis has been shown. Furthermore the incidence of pathologic soft tissue changes has been determined in 86 cases of early and later stages of rheumatoid arthritis. These values show the sensitivity of the 25 measurements. The analysis of soft tissues is an integral part of the assessment of arthropathies.