RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES.To assess the intraobserver reliability of three methods used frequently to evaluate joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritiscolon; the Sharp method, the Larsen method, and the carpocolon;metacarpal ratio.METHODS.One observer analyzed twice within a 6-week interval 71 radiographs from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Reliability was estimated by intraclass correlation coefficient (R) and by Altman-Bland graphical method. Correlations were examined by the Spearman's coefficient (r).RESULTS.The intraobserver reliability of each method appeared satisfactory with a good result for the Sharp method (R equals; 0.97). The correlation was strong (r 0.80) between the results obtained by Sharp's and Larscn's methods and weaker between the results of the two former methods and the carpocolon; metacarpal ratio.CONCLUSIONS.Sharp's method should be used preferentially in studies evaluating the radiologic changes in rheumatoid arthritis over time, especially in clinical trials. The carpocolon;metacarpal ratio may be considered as a complementary method, when wrist destruction is of conceptual importance.
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