title: The "X-Ray RheumaCoach" software: a novel tool for enhancing the efficacy and accelerating radiological quantification in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Precise diagnosis and follow up treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) requires objective quantification, which is still lacking. For this purpose, radiological analyses are considered to be the most appropriate method.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop computer assisted quantification software that is particularly applicable to joint scoring in rheumatic disorders.
  
  
  METHODS
  3914 radiographs from hands and feet of 190 patients with RA were collected, expertly examined, analysed, and statistically evaluated. Radiographs were quantified using the conventional Larsen score and the "X-Ray RheumaCoach" (XRRC) software. The XRRC is a Java stand alone application which can support and accelerate, but not fully automate, the scoring procedure in RA. The scorer can apply both the Larsen and the Ratingen-Rau scores.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with conventional scoring procedures, the XRRC software accelerated quantification time by approximately 25%. The program, which is now available on the internet free of charge, ran stably and proved to be a consistently valuable tool.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compared with conventional scoring methods, the XRRC software offers several advantages: (a) structured data analysis and input that minimises variance by standardisation; (b) faster and more precise calculation of sum scores and indices; (c) permanent data storing and fast access to the software's database; (d) the possibility of cross calculation to other scores; (e) "user friendly" technology and a dedicated help program; (f) fast access and data transfer through the internet if desired; and (g) reliable documentation of results in a specially designed printout.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Vienna, Austria. marius.wick@ks.se
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wick
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Peloschek
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bögl
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Graninger
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Smolen
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kainberger
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003201:Computers; D005528:Foot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006225:Hand / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012984:Software; D012985:Software Design