Increased awareness of the need for early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and advances in the ability to effectively treat rheumatoid arthritis have made disease remission and maintenance of function a reality for many patients. However, identification of patients who are at risk for erosive disease remains a challenge. As more is learnt about risk factors for disease severity and the role of imaging techniques such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, the ability to prevent disease progression in the form of joint damage and its attendant deformity and functional limitation will further improve.
