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Table 6 Recommendations on diagnostic imaging

From: Multidisciplinary recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of foot problems in people with rheumatoid arthritis

 

LoE

Ref

LoA

For the detection of joint damage in the feet, a non-weight-bearing X-ray in anterior-posterior (AP) direction is the preferred method.

4b

n/a

8.6 (0–10)

For the detection of joint deformity and malalignment of the foot, a weight-bearing X-ray in anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral directions is the preferred method.

4b

n/a

9.6 (7–10)

Ultrasonography can be applied in the diagnosis of inflammation of joints* and soft tissue**.

2

* [47, 48]

** [49, 50]

9.4 (7–10)

When clinical examination is inconclusive in the diagnosis of inflammation of joints and soft tissue, ultrasonography should be considered. *When ultrasonography is inconclusive, additional diagnostic imaging (MRI or CT scan) can be considered.**

*4a**4b

* [51] ** n/a

9.2 (8–10)

  1. LoE Level of Evidence for the recommendations: (1) research of level A1 or at least 2 independently conducted studies of level A2, (2) 1 study of level A2 or at least 2 independently conducted studies of level B, (3) 1 study of level B or C, (4a) expert opinion described in the literature, (4b) opinion of the expert group. Ref. references. LoA Level of Agreement for the recommendations: Numeric Rating Scale from 0 (total disagreement) to 10 (total agreement) reported as mean (range). n/a not applicable. * refers to the first part of the recommendation with corresponding level of agreement and references. ** refers to the second part of the recommendation with corresponding level of agreement and references