Larsen developed a grading scheme for evaluating joint radiographs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Joints examined:
(1) phalangeal joints in the hands
(2) metacarpophalangeal joints
(3) wrists
(4) elbows
(5) shoulders
(6) hips
(7) knees
(8) ankles
(9) tarsi
(10) metatarsophalangeal joints
Radiographic Appearance
RA Abnormality
Grade
normal OR changes unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis (such as bone deposition)
none
0
periarticular soft tissue swelling or osteoporosis; slight joint space narrowing
slight
1
erosions and joint space narrowing; erosions obligatory except in weight-bearing joints
definite early
2
moderate erosion and joint space narrowing
medium destructive
3
severe erosions and joint space narrowing; bone deformation present in weight-bearing joints
severe destructive
4
original articular surfaces have disappeared; gross bone deformation in weight-bearing joints
mutilating
5
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Purpose: To grade changes in a joint radiograph from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the Larsen scale.
Specialty: Immunology/Rheumatology
Objective: imaging studies
ICD-10: M05, M06,
