Obligatory medical device diagnostics.
- Radiographic examination of the affected joints, in two planes.
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnosis.
- X-ray of the chest (X-ray thorax/chest), in two planes – if sarcoidosis (multisystem disease associated with granulomatous inflammation) is suspected.
- X-ray examination of the spine (pelvis or targeted recording of the sacroiliac joints) – if ankylosing spondylitis (inflammatory disease of the spine, which can lead to joint stiffness (ankylosis) of the affected joints) is suspected.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; computer-assisted cross-sectional imaging method (using magnetic fields, i.e., without X-rays); particularly well suited for visualizing soft tissue injuries) of the affected joints; this method shows changes earlier than X-rays; signs of rheumatoid arthritis include synovitis (synovial inflammation)/preerosive changes
