Radiological cervical arthritis in populations

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Epidemiology
• Radiology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the cervical spine, impacting joint health.
• Understanding the prevalence and associations of cervical RA is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of cervical rheumatoid arthritis.
• To explore its relationship with rheumatoid serum factors and peripheral joint erosions.

Main Methods:

• Radiographic analysis of cervical spines, hands, and feet from 12 population samples.
• Grading of arthritic changes using the Atlas of Standard Radiographs of Arthritis.
• Statistical analysis of associations with serological tests and peripheral arthritis.

Main Results:

• Cervical RA (grades 2-4) prevalence was 4.1% in males and 4.7% in females aged 15+, highest (15%) in those born before 1900.
• Significant association found between cervical RA and the sheep cell agglutination test.
• Cervical arthritis correlated with both seropositive and seronegative erosive peripheral arthritis.

Conclusions:

• Cervical RA prevalence varies geographically and historically, suggesting environmental influences.
• Changes in environmental factors may have altered the incidence of cervical arthritis and block vertebrae in recent decades.