Scoliosis-related factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of scoliosis and scoliosis-related factors of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

In this study, 411 patients who underwent coronal total spine and lower limb radiography were enrolled. Patients with a Cobb angle ≥10° were diagnosed with scoliosis. Statistical analysis was performed to compare between patients with and those without scoliosis, and between patients without scoliosis and those with a Cobb angle >20°.

The prevalence of scoliosis in patients with RA was 30.7%. The mean Cobb angles were 8.5° ± 7.2° in all the patients, 16.1° ± 8.6° in patients with scoliosis, and 5.1° ± 2.3° in patients without scoliosis. According to a multivariate analysis, the scoliosis-related factors of RA were age and vertebral fracture. Significant differences in age, corticosteroid use, and malalignment of lower limbs were observed between patients with a Cobb angle >20° and those without scoliosis.

With RA treatment, the need for corticosteroid use is reduced and vertebral fracture is prevented. Moreover, the joints and spinal and lower limb alignments should be examined.