The validity of a non-fluoroscopic fixed-flexion radiographic acquisition and analysis protocol for measurement of joint space width (JSW) in knee osteoarthritis is determined. A cross-sectional study of 165 patients with documented knee osteoarthritis participating in a multicenter, prospective study of chondroprotective agents was performed. All patients had posteroanterior, weight-bearing, fixed-flexion radiography with 10 degrees caudal beam angulation. A specially designed frame (SynaFlexer) was used to standardize the positioning. Minimum medial and lateral JSW were measured manually and twice by an automated analysis system to determine inter-technique and intra-reader concordance and reliability. A random subsample of 30 patients had repeat knee radiographs 2 weeks apart to estimate short-term reproducibility using automated analysis. Concordance between manual and automated medial JSW measurements was high (ICC=0.90); lateral compartment measurements showed somewhat less concordance (ICC=0.72). There was excellent concordance between repeated automated JSW measurements performed 6 months apart for the medial (ICC=0.94) and lateral (ICC=0.86) compartments. Short-term reproducibility for the subsample of 30 cases with repeat acquisitions demonstrated an average SD of 0.14 mm for medial JSW (CV=4.3%) and 0.23 mm for lateral JSW (CV=4.0%). Fixed-flexion radiography of the knee using a positioning device provides consistent, reliable and reproducible measurement of minimum JSW in knee osteoarthritis without the need for concurrent fluoroscopic guidance.

Analyzing the data from all readable vertebrae, the kappa statistic, sensitivity, and specificity ranged from 0.64-0.77, 0.65-0.84, and 0.97-0.98, respectively. Considering only moderate and severe fractures improved the kappa statistic (0.80-0.91) and sensitivity (0.70-0.86). While image quality of VFA is inferior to radiography, the detection of vertebral fractures using visual scoring is feasible. However, VFA underperformed due to unreadable vertebrae and reduced sensitivity for mild fractures. Nevertheless, VFA correctly identified most moderate and severe vertebral fractures. Despite this limitation, VFA by DXA provides an important tool for clinical research.

The purpose of this work was to develop a computer-based procedure for training technologists in vertebral morphometry. The utility of the resulting interactive, tutorial based training method was evaluated in this study. The training program was composed of four steps: (1) review of an online tutorial, (2) review of analyzed spine images, (3) practice in fiducial point placement and (4) testing. During testing, vertebral heights were measured from digital, lateral spine images containing osteoporotic fractures. Inter-observer measurement precision was compared between research technicians, and between technologists and radiologist. The technologists participating in this study had no prior experience in vertebral morphometry. Following completion of the online training program, good inter-observer measurement precision was seen between technologists, showing mean coefficients of variation of 2.33% for anterior, 2.87% for central and 2.65% for posterior vertebral heights. Comparisons between the technicians and radiologist ranged from 2.19% to 3.18%. Slightly better precision values were seen with height measurements compared with height ratios, and with unfractured compared with fractured vertebral bodies. The findings of this study indicate that self-directed, tutorial-based training for spine image analyses is effective, resulting in good inter-observer measurement precision. The interactive tutorial-based approach provides standardized training methods and assures consistency of instructional technique over time.

Background: Since prolongation of survival by chemotherapy has been questioned, palliation balanced with an acceptable quality of life is the primary aim in treating patients with metastatic breast cancer. Patients and Methods: 224 patients from 11 centers were randomized to treatment with 40 mg/m2 of Adriamycin or with 40 mg/m2 of epirubicin or with 12 mg/m2 of mitoxantrone each in combination with 600 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide every 3 weeks. A special monitoring system including follow-up until death guaranteed valid information on response criteria, survival and quality of life. Results: Treatment outcome was not statistically different between the three groups in terms of best response rate, response duration, time to progression or survival. There were, however, statistically significant differences between the three treatment groups in terms of toxicity and quality of life. Most important, treatment outcome was influenced by the following negative prognostic factors: disease-free interval less than 18 months; metastases at more than one organ site; performance status according to WHO > 1; prior adjuvant chemotherapy; age less than 40 years. Conclusions: This meticulously monitored prospectively randomized study shows that prognostic factors are more important than the chosen treatments for the outcome in metastatic breast cancer patients.

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