Rheumatoid arthritis


Launching the new arthritis mini-scan at The Edinburgh Clinic

If you are concerned that you are developing early Rheumatoid Arthritis you can receive an arthritis mini-scan as part of your clinical assessment at The Edinburgh Clinic. For appointments or enquiries please call us on 0131 447 2340.


Why is ultrasound so important in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis?

  • Ultrasound can look at the joint in three dimensions while x-ray is two-dimensional.
  • Ultrasound is ten times more sensitive than x-ray in detecting early bone damage.
  • Ultrasound can show the extent and intensity of inflammation in the joint.
  • Ultrasound can be used to determine if arthritis treatment is effective.
  • Ultrasound is used widely in arthritis clinics in other European countries but has only recently been offered to patients in the UK.

 

Ultrasound scanUltrasound scan of metacarpophalgeal joint of finger. The colour spots correspond to areas of active arthritis in the joint where synovial perfusion is increased.