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Comparable conventional x-rays had xeroradiographs were obtained of the hands of 22 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Each metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint was scored for juxta-articular osteoporosis, erosions, loss of joint space, soft tissue thickening, joint deformity, and osteophytes on a 0-3 scale. For 10 hands the films were reported again after 3 months, and each technique was reproducible. Comparison between the 2 radiographic techniques showed that overall they gave similar results, although osteoporosis was reported more frequently on conventional x-rays, and loss of joint space and synovial thickening on xeroradiographs.

Small fractures in the posterior elements of the spine were identified by stereoscopic radiography in 7 patients suffering from back pain. The clinical data on these 7 patients are presented.

On stereoscopic examination of the lumbar spines of 6 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spinal disease we found typical rheumatoid erosions in the apophyseal joints. 2 also had severe asymmetrical disc destruction with associated involvement of the vertebral bodies and scoliosis. In one of these patients who developed Staphyloccocus aureus septicaemia, infection was localized in this part of the lumbar spine.

Cervical spine movements were compared in 35 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and matched controls. In AS there were limitations of all movements and particularly of lateral flexion. These limitations could not be correlated with any particular features of AS except radiological involvement of the lower apophyseal joints. In 25 patients there were significant improvements in all measurements after 3 weeks of intensive inpatient physiotherapy. After discharge the patients were encouraged to perform unsupervised physiotherapy and in 11 patients seen at 3 months the improvements in neck movements were either maintained or increased further. In contrast no changes in movements were found in 9 patients assessed 3 weeks and immediately before starting physiotherapy.