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Semin Neurol 2002; 22(2): 179-186
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36541
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Cervical Spine

E. Robert Kolen1 , Meic H. Schmidt2
  • 1Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
  • 2Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Publication History

Publication Date:
13 January 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The cervical spine is commonly affected in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Erosive synovitis of the joints of the cervical spine can result in various types of subluxations. Subluxations and pannus formation can cause significant pain and neurological compromise. Surgery is an important treatment modality for patients with intractable neck pain and neurological deficits. This article reviews the indications for surgery and surgical procedures of decompression and arthrodesis. New surgical fixation techniques have resulted in improved arthrodesis rates. However, long-term effects on adjacent motion segments is not known. The cornerstone of good surgical outcome remains careful selection of patients and appropriate choice of surgical decompression and fusion.

KEYWORDS

Rheumatoid arthritis - cervical spine - spinal surgery - arthrodesis

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