Despite the long-standing recognition of cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, appreciation of the different neurologic manifestations of this disease has been lacking or misunderstood.
The authors attempted to accurately define the neurologic lesions resulting from rheumatoid involvement of the cervical spine despite the complexity of the neuroanatomy of the cervicomedullary region and the diversity of pathology.
Study Design: The authors summarize published data regarding cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, define the neurologic manifestations, and provide recommendations for management of these complex and difficult problems.
The authors reviewed the relevant neuroanatomy, neurovascular anatomy, and neuropathologic lesions that interact to create these complex and often confusing clinical situations.
Accurate diagnostic studies are mandated to determine the location of compression and to fully appreciate the resultant neurologic deficits. To improve more complete comprehension of the neurologic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, the relevant neuroanatomy, neurovascular anatomy, and neuropathologic lesions must be understood.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
Despite the long-standing recognition of cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, appreciation of the different neurologic manifestations of this disease has been lacking or misunderstood.
The authors attempted to accurately define the neurologic lesions resulting from rheumatoid involvement of the cervical spine despite the complexity of the neuroanatomy of the cervicomedullary region and the diversity of pathology.
Study Design: The authors summarize published data regarding cervical spine involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, define the neurologic manifestations, and provide recommendations for management of these complex and difficult problems.
The authors reviewed the relevant neuroanatomy, neurovascular anatomy, and neuropathologic lesions that interact to create these complex and often confusing clinical situations.
Accurate diagnostic studies are mandated to determine the location of compression and to fully appreciate the resultant neurologic deficits. To improve more complete comprehension of the neurologic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, the relevant neuroanatomy, neurovascular anatomy, and neuropathologic lesions must be understood.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.