Lack of objective evidence of stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis

Ann Rheum Dis. 1988 Sep;47(9):754-8. doi: 10.1136/ard.47.9.754.

Abstract

Metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness was measured using a new microprocessor controlled arthrograph in 135 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Subjects were prospectively subdivided according to the stage of the disease in the joint. Compared with a normal population stiffness variables in active rheumatoid arthritis were decreased, significantly so for non-elastic stiffness. This study casts doubts on the literal interpretation of symptomatic stiffness as an indicator of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis and suggests a number of explanations for the discordant result.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / physiopathology*
  • Arthrography
  • Elasticity
  • Female
  • Finger Joint / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microcomputers
  • Middle Aged