An articular index for the assessment of osteoarthritis. Issue 1 (February 1981)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doyle, D V; Dieppe, P A; Scott, J; Huskisson, E C
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 40:Issue 1(1981)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 78
• Publication Date: 1981-02
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/ard.40.1.75
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : An articular index was devised for the sequential assessment of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Forty-eight joint units, chosen to reflect the characteristic pattern of the disease, were scored for tenderness on pressure or movement on a 4-point scale. Four observers examined patients to assess inter- and intraobserver error. The index was highly reproducible both within and between observers; intraobserver error was, however, significantly smaller. In a double-blind, cross-over trial the index was sufficiently sensitive to detect a statistically significant difference between the responses of patients with OA to an anti-inflammatory agent and to a simple analgesic. It is likely to be a useful addition to current methods of measurement in osteoarthritis.