Аннотация:Abstract Twenty‐six women with classic or definite rheumatoid arthritis, according to the criteria of the AMERICAN RHEUMATISM ASSOCIATION, age‐matched with controls were evaluated for bone mineral content and rigidity. Significant bone loss occurred in arthritics treated with corticosteroids. Bone losses at diaphyseal and metaphyseal sites were of similar magnitude—suggesting no preferential loss of trabecular bone. A significant decrease in relative ulnar rigidity was observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis not receiving corticisteroids. An even larger decrease was noted in subjects receiving corticosteroids.
