Diagnostik und therapie rheumatischer erkrankungen der wirbelsäule mit neurologischer beteiligung

Affections of the spine are quite frequent in patients with rheumatoid disease. Some of these patients will develop neurological deficits ranging from radicular pain to transversal myelopathy. Typical neurological complications will be found in patients with ongoing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondarthritis. The instability of the upper cervical spine is a main cause for neurological symptoms. Typical clinical findings should be looked after carefully. The diagnostic criteria and the surgical therapy are described.