[Changes in the atlanto-odontoid articulation in rheumatoid arthritis. Radiologic observations in 86 cases]

The authors describe the alterations of atlanto-axial joint observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: 16 of 86 patients = 18.6% (15 females and 1 male) showed the presence of joint luxation. The authors suggest that a "dynamic" tomographic study in lateral orthostatic projection, with indifferent position and head flexed, is essential for demonstrating the changes of this joint and that examination should be performed in all patients with rheumatoid arthritis, even if they are asymptomatic.