Osteoporosis is common complication in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, It is most apparent in the subchondral bone of involved joints, but it may be present in a generalized distribution. In patients who have received corticosteroids chronically and/or prolonged immobilization, osteoporosis would be developed.

Using dual photon absorptiometry, bone mineral density (BMD) measurement on lumbar vetebrae was done in 163 normal women (age ranging 20-76) and 48(age ranging 21-77) patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The mean values of BMD of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis were similar with those of normal women before age 50, but were significantly reduced in age 50-69 (P<0.05) than those of normal women, Functional impairment influenced spinal BMD significantly but disease duration did not influence spinal BMD.

Results
suggested the the patients with rheumatoid arthritis in age 50-69 are high group for the development of osteoporosis and functional impairment may be a main risk factor.