[Spinal involvement in chronic polyarthritis].

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may involve every segment of the entire spine. In particular, the cervical spine is commonly affected in rheumatoid arthritis. In approximately 40% of RA patients inflammatory changes are observed in the upper inflammatory changes are observed in the upper cervical region. Atlanto-dental dislocation, a common early sign especially in juvenile RA, is radiologically diagnosed by a lateral radiograph of the neck in maximal flexion. The pathological findings in the spine and the corresponding radiological signs and clinical symptomatology are described.