[Radiological staging index of osteoarthrosis]

The association of joint pain with radiological changes (such as osteophytes, joint space narrowing, and sometimes, bone cysts and erosion) is the most commonly criteria used in daily medical practice for the diagnosis of osteoarthrosis. However, these findings do not allow objective quantification of the intensity of the joint involvement. In an attempt to measure quantitatively the radiological lesions encountered in osteoarthrosis the authors elaborated a radiological index based on the following parameters: I. severity of radiological changes, II. area of the affected joint and III. number of affected joints. The application of this index in the medical practice allows a simple way of quantification of radiological lesions of osteoarthrosis and thus, a better clinical monitorization of the disease.