Which cervical spine joints are most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

Which cervical spine joints are most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Atlantoaxial (C1-C2) joints
• B. Intervertebral discs
• C. Occipital-C1 joints
• D. C4-C5 facet joints

Answer: (A)

Rheumatoid arthritis often targets synovial joints, and in the cervical spine the area most vulnerable is the atlas–axis joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae. Inflammation here leads to pannus formation, which can erode ligaments and the articular surfaces, especially the transverse ligament that stabilizes the atlas on the axis. This causes laxity and potential anterior translation of the atlas on the axis, risking instability and even spinal cord compression. Other cervical joints can be involved as disease progresses, but the atlantoaxial region is the classic and most common early site of involvement.

Rheumatoid arthritis often targets synovial joints, and in the cervical spine the area most vulnerable is the atlas–axis joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae. Inflammation here leads to pannus formation, which can erode ligaments and the articular surfaces, especially the transverse ligament that stabilizes the atlas on the axis. This causes laxity and potential anterior translation of the atlas on the axis, risking instability and even spinal cord compression. Other cervical joints can be involved as disease progresses, but the atlantoaxial region is the classic and most common early site of involvement.