Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that frequently
affects the cervical spine. The clinical diagnosis can be difficult; therefore, a
systematic radiographic evaluation of all patients is recommended. The timely treatment
of these lesions is important to preserve the self-reliance, the neurological function,
and even the lives of the patients. The present article is an update of all the aspects
pertaining to cervical spine rheumatoid arthritis that are relevant to the orthopedic
surgeon.
Keywords
atlantoaxial instability - cervical spine - morbidity - rheumatoid arthritis - surgery
