Scoliosis-related factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of scoliosis and scoliosis-related factors of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: In this study, 411 patients who underwent coronal total spine and lower limb radiography were enrolled. Patients with a Cobb angle ≥10° were diagnosed with scoliosis. Statistical analysis was performed to compare between patients with and those without scoliosis, and between patients without scoliosis and those with a Cobb angle >20°. Results: The prevalence of scoliosis in patients with RA was 30.7%. The mean Cobb angles were 8.5° ± 7.2° in all the patients, 16.1° ± 8.6° in patients with scoliosis, and 5.1° ± 2.3° in patients without scoliosis. According to a multivariate analysis, the scoliosis-related factors of RA were age and vertebral fracture. Significant differences in age, corticosteroid use, and malalignment of lower limbs were observed between patients with a Cobb angle >20° and those without scoliosis. Conclusions: With RA treatment, the need for corticosteroid use is reduced and vertebral fracture is prevented. Moreover, the joints and spinal and lower limb alignments should be examined.