Table 3 Inflammatory Parameters of Arthritis Scoring System

Synovitis (judged by the thickness of the synovial membrane)

0

less than 3 cells thick

1

3 – 5 cells thick

2

6 – 10 cells thick

3

10 – 20 cells thick

4

20 – 30 cells thick

5

Beyond 30 cells thick

Pannus formation

0

No pannus formation

1

Microvillus present

2

Clear pannus attachment

3

Marked pannus attachment

4

Joint space filled by pannus

5

Extensive pannus proliferation

Marginal erosions

0

No erosions visible

1

Minor indentation in area of capsular attachment

2

Clear erosions of cartilage

3

Erosions extend into subchondral bone

4

Major erosion of bone and cartilage

5

Loss of visible cartilage and major bone loss

Architectural changes

0

Normal joint architecture

1

Edematous changes

2

Minor subluxation of articulating surfaces

3

Major subluxation of articulating surfaces

4

Loss of joint landmarks

5

Complete fibrosis and collagen bridging

Overall score

0

Classical normal joint appearance

1

Minor changes; consistent with remission; may be clinically normal.

2

Moderate inflammatory disease

3

Major inflammatory disease

4

Destructive, erosive arthritis

5

Destructive, erosive arthritis with major bone remodeling.