While the traditional x-ray is still the radiologic tool most used by rheumatologists to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has slowly but surely developed a following among some rheumatologists. This is because MRI studies can show much more detail than the plain x-ray.

The question, however, remains to be answered: Does the use of MRI change how a rheumatologist treats his patients, the ultimate goal being the achievement of remission?

Traditional x-rays...