PRTN3 and rheumatoid arthritis: After adjustment for the potential confounders age, gender, ACPA-status and RF-status, the presence of 3 or more flares was associated with a non-significant OR of 0.338 (95 % CI: 0.095-1.207) for the presence of RA-associated cervical spine deformity after 10 years.<h4>Discussion and conclusion</h4>A trend towards less RA-associated cervical deformity in patients with more flares was discerned, though no statistically significant differences could be established.