Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy
The cervical spine is affected in 30% of the patients with RA. Typically, there is initial patchy degeneration which accentuates the stresses on the remaining mobile joints.
Classically, ligamentous erosion leads to joint laxity and subluxation at the following sites:
The patient is typically female with neck pain and stiffness. Eventually, nerve compression may supervene: upper limb lower motor neurone signs and lower limb upper motor neurone signs.
Treatment is with a collar to relieve pain, and with spinal fusion if neurological signs are worsening.
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