Headmaster Collar Restricts Rheumatoid Atlantoaxial Subluxation

Kauppi, M., Neva, H. & Kautianinen, H.

Spine - Vol. 24, No. 6, March 15, 1999, pp 526 - 528

Extract:
"Involvement of the cervical spine is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and may occur in other rheumatic diseases. The most common cervical abnormality in RA is atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS), which develops if the inflammation injures the stabilizing ligaments of the area. Its prevalence varies between 15% and 70% depending on the patient group studied. In a population-based study, AAS was found in every third RA case. Patients with AAS may be asymptomatic or may have severe pain and occasionally, neurologic symptoms. Atlantoaxial subluxation may be complicated (e.g., tetraplegia) and even fatal."

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