Table 1.

Semi-quantitative ultrasound scoring system

Pathological feature	Definition	Scoring
Joint Effusions	Defined as a compressible anechoic intra-capsular area	0- no effusion
		1- minimal amount of effusion
		2- moderate amount of effusion without distension of the capsule
		3- Extensive amount of effusion with distension of the joint capsule
Synovitis	Defined as a non-compressible hypoechoic intra-capsular area (synovial thickening)	0- no synovial thickening
		1- minimal synovial thickening (filling the angle between adjacent bones without bulging over the line linking the tops of the bones)
		2- synovial thickening bulging over the line of the tops of the peri-articular bones but without extension along the bones diaphysis
		3- Synovial thickening bulging over the lines linking the tops of the peri-articular bones and with extension to at least one diaphysis
Bone erosions	Changes in the bone surface of the area adjacent to the joint	0- Regular bone surface
		1- Irregularity of the bone surface without formation of a defect in the surface of the bone seen in 2 planes
		2- Defect in the surface of the bone seen in 2 planes
		3- Bone defect creating extensive bone destruction
Power Doppler	Display of signal flow in the synovium	0- No flow
		1- Single vessel signals
		2- Confluent vessel signals in less that half of the synovium
		3- Vessel signals in more than half of the area