Cervical spondylosis, stenosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis involving the cervical spine can be managed non-operatively. These patients should be monitored closely by the treating physician for the development of neurologic symptoms or subluxation on radiographs. Non-surgical treatment in the majority of patients has a definite role. Several studies now suggest early surgical intervention in patients with progressive instability and neurologic deficit is indicated to prevent significant morbidity and mortality in these patients.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, USA. matthew_mcdonnell@brown.edu
Matthew
M
McDonnell
Phillip
P
Lucas
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D006801:Humans; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D055009:Spondylosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*