Radiography (X-ray)

Radiographs are used in arthritides initially to help with differentiating between various forms of arthritis and to help evaluate the damage caused by the disease. Later on x-rays are used to follow the changes through the course of the disease.

Inflammatory arthritides are aggressive and very destructive forms of arthritis that could affect any joint in the body. The following the course of disease by x-rays is essential to the care and treatment of patients who suffer these forms of arthritis. Typically a patient is evaluated once at the time of presentation and then yearly to help monitor the success of the treatment stopping disease progression.