Bone metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Bone metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is reviewed. Two different entities are recognised: 1) a localised periarticular bone loss, due to inflammatory processes and 2) a generalised increased bone turnover, ultimately leading to a loss of axial bone mass. The mechanism of this loss of axial bone is not completely understood; probably immobilisation is the most important factor. The influence of certain drugs is discussed.