A stiff collar can restrict atlantoaxial instability in rheumatoid cervical spine in selected cases
Article Abstract:
A stiff collar appears to correct atlantoaxial joint instability in selected rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This is the joint between the first two spinal vertebrae in the neck. Many believe that such collars do not correct joint instability. A rigid collar was fitted to 22 RA patients with unstable atlantoaxial joints. Collars were designed to prevent tipping the head forward. X rays were taken of the neck with head tipped forward, tipped backwards, and in neutral position without the collar and with head tipped forward with the collar in place. Half the patients achieved a reduction of more than 30% in abnormal joint movement. Patients who were not helped by the collar had an abnormal amount of space in the joint even in neutral position. It would therefore make sense that such patients could not be helped by a collar. X rays taken with the head in neutral position should identify persons who would likely benefit from a neck collar.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1995
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The value of synovial fluid analysis in the assessment of knee joint destruction in arthritis in a three year follow up study
Article Abstract:
The authors determined that analysis of synovial fluid taken from an arthritic knee joint could be used to predict whether or not there would be continued degradation of the joint. They found that a high measure of cross linked carboxyterminal telopeptide in the synovial fuid was a good predictor of further breakdown of the joint.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 1999
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Improved medical and surgical management of cervical spine disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis over 10 years
Article Abstract:
The prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis of the spine seems to have improved since the mid-1980s, according to a study of 111 patients. This is probably due to the fact that patients are diagnosed at an earlier stage of the disease.
Publication Name: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4967
Year: 2000
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