rss
Ann Rheum Dis 1999;58:126-129 doi:10.1136/ard.58.2.126
  • Concise reports

Successful conservative treatment of rheumatoid subaxial subluxation resulting in improvement of myelopathy, reduction of subluxation, and stabilisation of the cervical spine. A report of two cases

  1. Johanna C M Oostveena,
  2. Martin A F J van de Laara,
  3. Jan A G Geelenb,
  4. Ron de Graaffc
  1. aDepartments of Rheumatology, bNeurology, cand Neurosurgery, dRheumatology Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
  1. Dr J C M Oostveen, Rheumatology Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Postbus 50.000, 7500KA Enschede, the Netherlands.
  • Accepted 2 November 1998

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To report the efficacy of conservative treatment with cervical traction and immobilisation with a Halo vest, in two consecutive rheumatoid arthritis patients with progressive cervical myelopathy caused by subaxial subluxation.

METHODS Description of neurological symptoms and signs and findings in plain radiography (PR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine before and after treatment of the subaxial subluxation by traction and immobilisation with a Halo vest during four months.

RESULTS During four months of traction and immobilisation neurological examination showed a considerable improvement of the signs and symptoms of cervical myelopathy. Afterwards PR and MRI of the cervical spine showed reduction of the subaxial subluxation. Eventually firm stabilisation was obtained in both patients without surgery of the cervical spine.

CONCLUSION Cervical traction and immobilisation with a Halo vest can be considered as an independent conservative treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients with cervical myelopathy caused by subaxial subluxation.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content

    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.