[Measurements in rheumatology]

Abstract

Measuring a phenomenon is the first step of the scientific approach. Use of quantitative measurements to evaluate clinical and roentgenological data improves patient follow-up, increases the validity of collected data, encourages critical evaluation of measurement tools, use of reproducible roentgenographic views, and careful planning of investigations with the aim of achieving a predefined goal, and allows more objective assessment of treatment efficacy. Use of quantitative parameters can be expected to improve the quality of care and to reduce health care costs.