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H M Kroon

Publications and source records attributed to H M Kroon.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Fixed-flexion knee radiography: the sensitivity to detect knee joint space narrowing in osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Independent reports on the longitudinal performance of non-fluoroscopic fixed-flexion knee radiography have not been published. Therefore, we evaluated the sensitivity of fixed-flexion radiography to detect knee joint space narrowing (JSN) over 2 years in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and compared the effect of reproducibility and quality of medial tibial plateau (MTP) alignment on sensitivity to JSN. METHODS: Fixed-flexion radiographs of both knees of 193 OA patients were obtained at baseline and after 24 months. Minimum joint space width (JSW) of the medial tibiofemoral joint spaces was measured manually in paired digitised radiographs without knowledge of the chronology. The degree of MTP alignment was assessed by measuring the distance between the anterior and posterior margins of the MTP (intermargin distance [IMD]). Accurate repositioning was achieved if, in the 24-month radiograph, the IMD was reproduced to within 1mm. The quality of MTP alignment was satisfactory if the IMD was <or=1mm. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) JSN between baseline and 24 months was 0.18 (0.49)mm and the standardised response mean (SRM) was 0.37. The SRM was 0.36 in the knee film pairs (86%) in which the IMD was accurately reproduced after 24 months and 0.52 in the film pairs (42%) with satisfactory MTP alignment on both the baseline and 24-month radiographs. CONCLUSION: The sensitivity to radiographic JSN on fixed-flexion knee radiographs over 2 years was higher in satisfactorily aligned than accurately reproduced serial pairs of radiographs. These findings have implications for longitudinal knee OA studies using fixed-flexion radiographs.

Humans↗
PubMed2006

Clusters of biochemical markers are associated with radiographic subtypes of osteoarthritis (OA) in subject with familial OA at multiple sites. The GARP study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of biochemical markers and radiographic signs of osteoarthritis (ROA) in the subjects with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) at multiple sites of the Genetics osteoARthritis and Progression (GARP) study. METHODS: We have measured eight biochemical markers, representing tissue turnover of cartilage, bone, synovium, and inflammation. ROA was assessed in the knees, hips, hands, vertebral facet joints and spinal disc degeneration (DD) by using the Kellgren score. A proportionate score was subsequently made for each joint location based on the number of joints with ROA. Principal component and linear mixed model analyses were applied to analyze the data. RESULTS: Three different clusters of markers were identified that may reflect different pathophysiological processes of OA. The first component appeared to be reflected by structural markers of cartilage and bone turnover and associated especially in subjects with hip ROA. The second component was reflected by a marker of inflammation and was associated with knee ROA, high Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) scores and body mass index (BMI). The third component included markers of cartilage turnover and was associated with ROA at hands, spine as well as age. High familial aggregation was observed for serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (S-COMP) (70%) and serum N-propeptide of collagen type IIA (S-PIIANP) (62%). CONCLUSION: Using a large well-characterized study and eight biochemical markers, we were able to observe three components that may reflect different molecular mechanisms (bone, cartilage, synovium turnover and inflammation). Our data suggested that these components contribute differently to ROA at different joint sites.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Activity limitations in the lower extremities in patients with osteoarthritis: the modifying effects of illness perceptions and mental health.

OBJECTIVES: Using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as framework, we evaluated modifying effects of illness perceptions and mental health on the association between impairments in body structures and functions due to osteoarthritis (OA) and limitation in activities in the lower extremities. METHODS: Self-reported limitation in activities was assessed by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA index (WOMAC) function subscale in 316 patients with knee or hip pain or evidence of OA on knee or hip radiographs. Body structures and functions were evaluated during clinical and radiological assessments. Illness perceptions and mental health were assessed with the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) and the mental component summary score of the RAND 36-item Health Survey, respectively. For each patient an expected WOMAC function score was calculated, using an equation based on a multivariate model of the association of body structures and functions with limitation in activities. RESULTS: The median (interquartile) self-reported WOMAC function score was 22.2 (9.6-43.5). Ninety-one patients reported more and 120 patients reported less limitation in activities than expected. Patients with lumbar spine degeneration, physical or exercise therapy and high IPQ-R identity, consequences and chronic timeline scores had an increased risk to report more limitation in activities than the expected range. Low IPQ-R identity, consequences and emotional representation scores and better mental health were associated with reporting less limitation in activities than the expected range. CONCLUSION: Illness perceptions and mental health modify the association between self-reported limitation in activities and calculated limitation in activities based on impairments in body structures and functions due to OA.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence, extension and characteristics of fluid-fluid levels in bone and soft tissue tumors.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, extension and signal characteristics of fluid-fluid levels in a large series of 700 bone and 700 soft tissue tumors. Out of a multi-institutional database, MRI of 700 consecutive patients with a bone tumor and MRI of 700 consecutive patients with a soft tissue neoplasm were retrospectively reviewed for the presence of fluid-fluid levels. Extension (single, multiple and proportion of the lesion occupied by fluid-fluid levels) and signal characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging of fluid-fluid levels were determined. In all patients, pathologic correlation was available. Of 700 patients with a bone tumor, 19 (10 male and 9 female; mean age, 29 years) presented with a fluid-fluid level (prevalence 2.7%). Multiple fluid-fluid levels occupying at least one half of the total volume of the lesion were found in the majority of patients. Diagnoses included aneurysmal bone cyst (ten cases), fibrous dysplasia (two cases), osteoblastoma (one case), simple bone cyst (one case), telangiectatic osteosarcoma (one case), "brown tumor" (one case), chondroblastoma (one case) and giant cell tumor (two cases). Of 700 patients with a soft tissue tumor, 20 (9 males and 11 females; mean age, 34 years) presented with a fluid-fluid level (prevalence 2.9%). Multiple fluid-fluid levels occupying at least one half of the total volume of the lesion were found in the majority of patients. Diagnoses included cavernous hemangioma (12 cases), synovial sarcoma (3 cases), angiosarcoma (1 case), aneurysmal bone cyst of soft tissue (1 case), myxofibrosarcoma (1 case) and high-grade sarcoma "not otherwise specified" (2 cases). In our series, the largest reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge, the presence of fluid-fluid levels is a rare finding with a prevalence of 2.7 and 2.9% in bone and soft tissue tumors, respectively. Fluid-fluid levels remain a non-specific finding and can occur in a wide range of bone and soft tissue tumors, both benign and malignant. Therefore, they cannot be considered diagnostic of any particular type of tumor, and the diagnosis should be made on the basis of other radiological and clinical findings.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Nora's lesion, a distinct radiological entity?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the radiological findings of "Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation"(BPOP)-otherwise known as Nora's lesion, to describe the natural evolution of BPOP and to assess radiologically if BPOP is indeed part of a spectrum of reactive lesions including florid reactive periostitis and turret exostosis. DESIGN: Four experienced musculoskeletal radiologists studied plain radiographs and other imaging documents of histologically-proven Nora's lesions, looking for soft-tissue changes, periosteal reaction/calcification and calcified/ossified pseudotumours, and compared those findings with findings on pathology reviewed by a peer group of pathologists. PATIENTS: Twenty-four Nora's lesions originating from a series of 200 consecutive, histologically-verified bone (pseudo)tumours of the hand, seen by the "Netherlands Committee on Bone Tumours" for review and second opinion. RESULTS: Nora's lesions have a recognised presentation on radiographs without specific MR characteristics. Natural evolution could be assessed retrospectively in four cases. Recurrent lesions were seen in seven cases and are difficult to differentiate from primary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Nora's lesion, defined as a "well-marginated mass of heterotopic mineralization arising from the periosteal aspect of an intact cortex, without medullary changes" has a distinct radiological presentation and is part of a spectrum of reactive lesions which includes florid reactive periostitis and turret exostosis. As it has a distinct radiological appearance, differential diagnosis of malignant lesions such as osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma should be clear. It does not require immediate biopsy unless the natural evolution is unspecific.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

EXT-related pathways are not involved in the pathogenesis of dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica and metachondromatosis.

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH) and metachondromatosis (MC) are considered in the differential diagnosis of solitary and hereditary osteochondromas. Both are rare disorders with DEH demonstrating cartilaginous overgrowth of an epiphysis and MC exhibiting synchronous enchondromas and osteochondromas. Ten cases of DEH and two of MC were compared with osteochondromas at the histological and molecular level. Histologically, clumping of chondrocytes within a fibrillary chondroid matrix is characteristic of DEH, while osteochondromas and MC display the characteristic growth plate architecture. Using cDNA microarray analysis we demonstrate that DEH and MC cluster separately from osteochondromas and growth plates. The EXT genes, involved in the hereditary multiple osteochondromas syndrome, and downregulated in osteochondroma, were normally expressed in DEH and MC as shown by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). EXT is involved in heparan sulphate biosynthesis, important for Indian Hedgehog/ParaThyroid Hormone Like Hormone (IHH/PTHLH) growth plate signalling pathways. IHH/PTHLH signalling molecules were expressed in DEH and MC as shown by both qPCR and immunohistochemistry, suggesting that this pathway is active. This is in contrast to osteochondroma, in which PTHLH signalling is downregulated. Thus, lesions of DEH and MC are separate entities from osteochondroma as confirmed by their different cDNA and protein expression profiles. Downstream targets of EXT, which are downregulated in osteochondroma, are expressed in DEH and MC, suggesting that EXT signalling is not disturbed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Urinary CTX-II levels are associated with radiographic subtypes of osteoarthritis in hip, knee, hand, and facet joints in subject with familial osteoarthritis at multiple sites: the GARP study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relation between the urinary concentrations of type II collagen C-telopeptide (UCTX-II) and radiographic signs of osteoarthritis (ROA) in the GARP (Genetics, Arthrosis and Progression) study. METHODS: UCTX-II levels were measured in GARP study participants, who are sibling pairs predominantly with symptomatic osteoarthritis at multiple sites. Kellgren and Lawrence scores were used to assess ROA in the knees, hips, hands, and vertebral facet joints, and spinal disc degeneration. A proportionate score was made for each joint location, based on the number of joints with ROA. The sum total ROA score represents a measure of cartilage abnormalities within each patient. By using linear mixed models the total ROA score and the joint site specific ROA scores were correlated with the UCTX-II level. RESULTS: In 302 subjects the mean (SD) and median (range) for UCTX-II were 265 (168) and 219 (1346) ng/mmol creatine, respectively. There was a significant association between the total ROA score and UCTX-II levels. Subsequent multivariate analysis showed that the joint site specific ROA score at all joint sites, except for spinal disc degeneration, contributed independently to this association. CONCLUSIONS: The total ROA score of GARP patients, representing cartilage abnormalities at the most prevalent ROA joint locations, showed an excellent correlation with UCTX-II levels. The specific ROA scores at the hip, hand, facet, and knee joints additively and independently explained this association. Even in patients with osteoarthritis at multiple sites, UCTX-II may be a sensitive quantitative marker of ROA.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Epidiaphyseal versus other intercalary allografts for tumors of the lower limb.

Epidiaphyseal intercalary reconstruction has become possible for bone tumors that extend into the epiphysis because advances in magnetic resonance imaging and chemotherapy allow close resection while sparing the juxtaarticular bone and joint. In a retrospective study, we questioned whether epidiaphyseal reconstructions around the knee had a clinical outcome (measured as long-term survival, complication rate, and functional score) comparable with metadiaphyseal and diaphyseal reconstructions. Between 1988 and 1999, 14 epidiaphyseal, nine metaphyseal, and 12 diaphyseal reconstructions were done, and the median followup was 7.2 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 10-year survival rate of 79% for epidiaphyseal reconstructions, which did not differ from an 89% rate for metadiaphyseal and a 75% rate for diaphyseal reconstructions. Epidiaphyseal complications included two infections, five fractures, and three nonunion treatments. Complications for all 35 grafts included three infections, 12 fractures, and nine nonunion treatments. Ultimately, six grafts failed, with infection and length of resection as predisposing factors. All epiphyseal osteotomies had tumor-free margins and no local recurrences. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score for each type of intercalary reconstruction was between 23 and 24. Because the epidiaphyseal reconstruction avoids complications associated with joint reconstruction and the results are comparable with those of other types of intercalary grafts, these reconstructions should be considered if at least 1 cm of tumor-free juxtaarticular bone can be maintained.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Evidence for familial aggregation of hand, hip, and spine but not knee osteoarthritis in siblings with multiple joint involvement: the GARP study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether familial aggregation of osteoarthritis differs by joint site in a sibling pair study (GARP) of patients with osteoarthritis at multiple sites. SUBJECTS: White Dutch probands aged 40 to 70 years and their siblings with primary osteoarthritis at multiple sites. METHODS: The diagnosis of knee, hip, and spine osteoarthritis was based on a combination of pain or stiffness on most days of the previous month and osteophytes or joint space narrowing on x ray. Hand osteoarthritis was defined by ACR criteria. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for siblings and probands sharing disease in the same joints. RESULTS: 191 sibling pairs were included (85% women; mean age 60 years). In the probands, osteoarthritis was present in spine (76%), hands (77%), knees (37%), and hips (26%). The most common combinations in probands were spine-hand (59%), spine-knee (27%), and hand-knee (25%). The OR adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index for siblings to be affected in the same joint sites as the proband were increased in osteoarthritis of the hand (OR = 4.4 (95% confidence interval, 2.0 to 9.5)), hip (OR = 3.9 (1.8 to 8.4)), spine (OR = 2.2 (1.0 to 5.1)), hip-spine (OR = 4.7 (2.1 to 10.4)), and hand-hip (OR = 3.4 (1.1 to 10.4)). Siblings of probands with osteoarthritis in the knee did not have an increased likelihood of knee osteoarthritis. CONCLUSIONS: In middle aged patients with familial osteoarthritis at multiple sites, familial aggregation of osteoarthritis was most striking for hand and hip but remarkably absent for the knee.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Long term high intensity exercise and damage of small joints in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of long term high intensity weightbearing exercises on radiological damage of the joints of the hands and feet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Data of the 281 completers of a 2 year randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of usual care physical therapy (UC) with high intensity weightbearing exercises were analysed for the rate of radiological joint damage (Larsen score) of the hands and feet. Potential determinants of outcome were defined: disease activity, use of drugs, change in physical capacity and in bone mineral density, and attendance rate at exercise sessions. RESULTS: After 2 years, the 136 participants in high intensity weightbearing exercises developed significantly less radiological damage than the 145 participants in UC. The mean (SD) increase in damage was 3.5 (7.9) in the exercise group and 5.7 (10.2) in the UC group, p = 0.045. Separate analysis of the damage to the hands and feet suggests that this difference in rate of increase of damage is more pronounced in the joints of the feet than in the hands. The rate of damage was independently associated with less disease activity, less frequent use of glucocorticoids, and with an improvement in aerobic fitness. CONCLUSION: The progression of radiological joint damage of the hands and feet in patients with RA is not increased by long term high intensity weightbearing exercises. These exercises may have a protective effect on the joints of the feet.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Comparative analysis of risk factors for pathological fracture with femoral metastases.

A number of risk factors based upon mostly retrospective surgical data, have been formulated in order to identify impending pathological fractures of the femur from low-risk metastases. We have followed up patients taking part in a randomised trial of radiotherapy, prospectively, in order to determine if these factors were effective in predicting fractures. In 102 patients with 110 femoral lesions, 14 fractures occurred during follow-up. The risk factors studied were increasing pain, the size of the lesion, radiographic appearance, localisation, transverse/axial/circumferential involvement of the cortex and the scoring system of Mirels. Only axial cortical involvement >30 mm (p = 0.01), and circumferential cortical involvement >50% (p = 0.03) were predictive of fracture. Mirels' scoring system was insufficiently specific to predict a fracture (p = 0.36). Our results indicate that most conventional risk factors overestimate the actual occurrence of pathological fractures of the femur. The risk factor of axial cortical involvement provides a simple, objective tool in order to decide which treatment is appropriate.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Hemicortical allograft reconstruction after resection of low-grade malignant bone tumours.

Low-grade surface tumours of bone may theoretically be treated by hemicortical resection, retaining part of the circumference of the cortex. An inlay allograft may be used to reconstruct the defect. Since 1988 we have performed 22 hemicortical procedures in selected patients with low-grade parosteal osteosarcoma (6), peripheral chondrosarcoma (6) and adamantinoma (10). Restricted medullary involvement was not a contraindication for this procedure. There was no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis at a mean follow-up of 64 months (27 to 135). Wide resection margins were obtained in 19 patients. All allografts incorporated completely and there were no fractures or infections. Fractures of the remaining hemicortex occurred in six patients and were managed successfully by casts or by osteosynthesis. The functional results were excellent or good in all except one patient. Hemicortical procedures for selected cases of low-grade surface tumours give excellent oncological and functional outcomes. There was complete remodelling and fewer complications when compared with larger intercalary procedures. The surgery is technically demanding but gives good clinical results.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Neurologic dysfunction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine. Predictive value of clinical, radiographic and MR imaging parameters.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if subjective symptoms, radiographic and especially MR parameters of cervical spine involvement, can predict neurologic dysfunction in patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sequential radiographs, MR imaging, and neurologic examination were performed yearly in 46 consecutive RA patients with symptoms indicative of cervical spine involvement. Radiographic parameters were erosions of the dens or intervertebral joints, disc-space narrowing, horizontal and vertical atlantoaxial subluxation, subluxations below C2, and the diameter of the spinal canal. The MR features evaluated were presence of dens and atlas erosion, brainstem compression, subarachnoid space encroachment, pannus around the dens, abnormal fat body caudal to the clivus, cervicomedullary angle, and distance of the dens to the line of McRae. Muscle weakness was associated with a tenfold increased risk of neurologic dysfunction. Radiographic parameters were not associated. On MR images atlas erosion and a decreased distance of the dens to the line of McRae showed a fivefold increased risk of neurologic dysfunction. Subarachnoid space encroachment was associated with a 12-fold increased risk. Rheumatoid arthritis patients with muscle weakness and subarachnoid space encroachment of the entire cervical spine have a highly increased risk of developing neurologic dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Poor prognosis of osteosarcoma of pelvis; 39 years of registration by the Netherlands Commission on Bone Tumors].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of treatment in patients with osteosarcoma of the pelvis. DESIGN: Retrospective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-five patients with pelvic osteosarcoma registered in the files of the Netherlands Committee on Bone Tumours over 1957-1995 were reviewed. Complete information was obtained on 62 cases: 27 males and 35 females, median age was 31 years (range: 12-83). Distant metastases were present in 11 patients (stage IIIB; 18%), while 50 patients had stage IIB osteosarcoma (81%) and 1 patient stage IB osteosarcoma (2%). The results of treatment and survival were determined. RESULTS: Median survival was 14 months (2-177), the 5-year survival 15%. Distant metastases developed in 27 of 42 (64%) patients with curatively treated stage IIB osteosarcoma, with prolonged metastasis-free survival after chemotherapy treatment (p < 0.0012). Survival in patients with stage IIB pelvic osteosarcoma was better after surgical resection of the primary tumour than after no operation (p < 0.0054); (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy gave no longer survival than surgery alone (p < 0.083). CONCLUSION: The prognosis of pelvic osteosarcoma was poor, despite modern multimodality treatment regimens, including surgical resection and chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Are magnetic resonance flexion views useful in evaluating the cervical spine of patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether MR imaging in flexion adds value relative to imaging in the neutral position with respect to displaying involvement of the subarachnoid space, brainstem and spinal cord. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: T1-weighted MR images of the cervical spine in 42 rheumatoid arthritis patients with cervical spine involvement were obtained and analyzed prospectively. We assessed changes between images obtained in the neutral position and following active flexion, especially horizontal atlantoaxial and subaxial motion, presence or absence of brainstem compression, subarachnoid space involvement at the atlantoaxial and subaxial level and the cervicomedullary angle. Vertical atlantoaxial subluxation and the amount of pannus were correlated with motion and change in subarachnoid space. RESULTS: The flexion images showed horizontal atlantoaxial motion in 21 patients and subaxial motion in one patient. The flexion view displayed brainstem compression in only one patient. Involvement of the subarachnoid space increased at the atlantoaxial level in eight (19%) patients (P=0.004) and at the level below C2 in five (12%) patients (P=0.03). There were no patients with a normal subarachnoid space in neutral position and compression in the flexed position. The cervicomedullary angle changed significantly with flexion. Vertical atlantoaxial subluxation and the amount of pannus did not show a significant correlation with motion or subarachnoid space involvement. CONCLUSION: MR imaging in the flexed position shows a statistically significant narrowing of the subarachnoid space at the atlantoaxial level and below C2. Cord compression is only observed on flexion views if the subarachnoid space in neutral position is already decreased. MR imaging in the flexed position might be useful, since subarachnoid space involvement may be an indicator for the development of neurologic dysfunction.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Osteosarcoma of the pelvis--oncological results of 40 patients registered by The Netherlands Committee on Bone Tumours.

AIM AND METHODS: We reviewed the oncological outcome in 40 consecutive patients with an osteosarcoma of the pelvic region, registered in the files of the Netherlands Committee on Bone Tumours (NCBT) between 1978 and 1995. RESULTS: Six patients had distant metastases at initial presentation (Enneking stage IIIB), 33 patients had stage IIB osteosarcoma and one patient stage IB osteosarcoma. Patients with metastases were treated with chemotherapy (four) or palliative procedures (two). Patients with non-metastatic osteosarcoma were treated with surgical procedures with (14) or without (four) neoadjuvant chemotherapy, chemotherapy without surgical resection (nine), or palliative procedures (seven). The median survival of stage IIB and IIIB osteosarcoma was 14 months (2-175) and 7.5 months (2-16), respectively. Survival in patients with stage IIB osteosarcoma treated with curative procedures was significantly better (P<0.0006) compared with stage IIB patients treated with palliative intent. Two and 5-year survival for patients with curatively treated stage IIB osteosarcoma was 35% and 26%, respectively; distant metastases had developed in 65% of these patients. On univariate analysis, positive prognostic factors for patients with stage IIB osteosarcoma were complaints of 3 months or less before initial presentation, tumour size of 8 cm or less, osteoblastic subtype, surgical resection of the primary tumour and limb salvage procedures. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the prognosis of pelvic osteosarcoma remained poor despite modern multimodality treatment regimens, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Radiographic damage of large joints in long-term rheumatoid arthritis and its relation to function.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the extent of radiographic damage of large joints in long-term rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relationship to small joint involvement and physical function. METHODS: After 12 yr of follow-up, radiographs of all large joints (Larsen large joint score 0-60) of 105 recent RA patients were assessed. Correlations were evaluated between the Larsen large joint score and radiographic damage of the hands and feet as measured by the van der Heijde modification of the Sharp score (SHS) and the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). We determined the relative contributions of radiographic damage of small and large joints, disease activity and psychological function to the HAQ. RESULTS: The median Larsen large joint score was 3. In 54% of the patients at least one large joint was erosive. The correlation of the Larsen score with the SHS and HAQ scores was 0.76 and 0.60, respectively. Disease activity and radiographic damage of the large joints were the major determinants of the HAQ score. CONCLUSION: Large joint involvement after 12 yr of follow-up is extensive and is associated with functional disability. Large joint involvement is closely associated with small joint involvement.

Adult↗