LLLT seemed to be beneficial for pain in MPS by using algometry and thermography.

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activity, or more damage present the effect of radiological damage on physical function decreased. Using the derived linear regression models and the measure of a clinical relevant difference in HAQ-DI a clinical relevant increase in radiological damage for the modified Sharp score was calculated. Results The clinical relevant increase in radiological damage was estimated to be about 10 or 20, for a DAS of 1 or 2 respectively. It was dependant on the activity of the disease and amount of existing joint damage. Conclusion Estimating a clinical relevant increase in radiological progression, using the patient's perspective is possible. A conservative threshold of 10-20 for a clinical relevant increase (Modified Sharp score) can be used as a guideline. These results need replication in other patient cohorts.

Background Obesity is a growing problem in all countries which is considered to be one of the most important concerns for public health. For clarification of the topic, further research about morbidity of the problem should be considered.Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess degenerative radiographic findings of the spine, pelvis and knees related with obesity. Methods 71 female patients from our outpatient clinics were enrolled in the study. Cut-off points for obesity were determined according to guidelines of World Health Organisation (WHO). Cut-off values are as follows: 18.5-24.99: normal, 25.0-29.99 grade1 overweight, 30.0-39.99 grade 2 overweight, > = 40.0 grade 3 overweight. Beside demographic data, radiologic assessment by plain radiographs of the spine, pelvis and knees were obtained. Antropometric measurements including height, body weight, abdominal circumference, waist circumference, triceps skinfold thickness were performed by the same physician. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as kg/m 2 . Radiographs were evaluated by a physician blind to the clinical status of that particular patient. For radiologic evaluations Kellgren-Lawrence score was utilised. p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.Results The mean age of the subjects was 52.70 ± 11.25 years (range: 25-78 years) and mean BMI was 31.17 ± 5.70 (range: 21.91-47.27). Degenerative changes in lumbar spine and knees are shown in Table 1.BMI was positively correlated with degenerative changes in the knee even when controlled for age (p = 0.000). Radiographs of the knee was also found to be correlated with body weight abdominal circumference, waist circumference, triceps skinfold thickness. Radiologic score of the knees were found to be correlated with scores of the pelvis and lumbar spine. But radiologic scores of pelvis and lumbar spine were not correlated with antropometric measures.