The detection of synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis patients can help to explain the progression of bone destruction in patients considered "stable" and assist in the evaluation of subclinical disease activity and therapeutic decision making. In this study, the functional status of the patient and QoL was significantly affected by ultrasonography-detected subclinical foot and ankle synovitis.

To examine the impact of subclinical synovitis identified by ultrasonography (US) on the ankles and feet of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The authors retrospectively reviewed the data of 59 patients who underwent US.     

The functional ability and quality of life (QoL) of patients in the subclinical group were impaired. While the physician visual analog scale (VAS) scores significantly reduced in the subclinical group, patient and pain VAS scores reduced considerably only in patients without synovitis.

US-detected subclinical foot and ankle synovitis considerably affected patient's functional status and QoL; although, it was often unnoticed by physicians.