The rheumatoid cervical spine.

The cervical spine contains 31 joints and moves about 600 times per hour. This makes it a site with a predilection for synovitis, ligamentous inflammation and mechanical stress in all types of chronic arthritis. Accordingly, eight different atlantoaxial or subaxial sublaxations and numerous other pathologic conditions occur in this area. The vital structures contained in this area impart particular significance to this involvement. Because there are practically no similarities between the structure and function of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, no parallels can be drawn between these two anatomically separate sites. Therefore, the anatomy, physiology, pathology, clinical syndromes, and treatment of the rheumatoid cervical spine have to be understood and dealt with on their own. This review article contains an update of topics of utmost importance in patient care, in light of the most recent basic and clinical science studies. Particular attention has been paid to new imaging and neurophysiologic techniques and their relevance to clinical design and treatment decisions, and modes of treatment in light of new advances in surgical technique and in our understanding of the long-term effects of active expectance and surgical intervention.