Patients with rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis can have disease-associated complications involving the spine. Cha and An discuss these cervical spine manifestations and how they should be managed, risks associated with inaction, potential complications of treatment, and indications for surgery. Whereas biologic agents are sufficient to slow progression of spinal pathology in many patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the authors recommend early surgical intervention in those who develop neurological deficits.
- Thomas D. Cha
- Howard S. An
