title: [Correlation between degenerative changes of the thoracic spine and the finger joints--a roentgenological study in generalized osteoarthrosis].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Different studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis demonstrated a correlation between degenerative changes of the cervical spine and peripheral joints. The aim of study therefore was to assess the relations of degenerative changes of the cervical spine and peripheral joints.
  
  
  METHODS
  106 patients suffering on Generalized Osteoarthritis were examined by standard radiography of the hands and cervical spine. All images were evaluated according to Kellgren grades. The mean values of the cervical spine and finger joints were compared in three calculations, for this purpose the finger joints were "segmental", "functional" and randomized arranged.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Concerning quality and quantity the highest correlation was observed in the group of the so-called "segmental-arrangement". Therefore a association between the cervical spine and the finger joints seems possible relating to manifestation, pattern and graduation of degenerative processes. At this stage there is no statement possible about the direction of the correlation.
authors.affiliation: Orthopädische Klinik des Marienstifts Arnstadt.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Irlenbusch
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography