Juhani M Koski, Eeva Alasaarela, Irma Soini, Kari Kemppainen, Ullamari Hakulinen, Jari O Heikkinen, Mikko S Laasanen, Simo Saarakkala
OBJECTIVES: The authors examined the validity, interobserver reliability and interscanner variation in detecting bone erosions with ultrasonography using a custom-made phantom. METHODS: 21 bovine bones were used. Artificial erosions were made into 15 bones and six bones were left as controls. In the processed bones the numbers of erosions, their depths and widths varied between 1-7, 1-4 and 1.5-5 mm, respectively. Each bone was coated with polyvinyl alcohol cryogel to mimic overlying soft tissue and to hide the erosions...
September 2010: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases