Fatal atlanto‐axial luxation in rheumatoid arthritis

Fatal atlanto‐axial dislocation occurred in two patients with rheumatoid arthritis and in both there were severe degenerative changes in the spinal ligaments and skeletal muscle in this area. Attention is called to the frequency of spontaneous cervical dislocations in rheumatoid patients and the advisability of obtaining routine radiographic examination of the cervical spine in patients with advanced disease.