Objective : This study was designed to determine the prevalence of vertebral deformities and symptomatic vertebral fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with corticosteroids (Cs) and whether it is higher than in RA patients not receiving Cs therapy. Subjects and methods : This study included 100 patients with RA who were receiving Cs orally on a daily basis, 100 patients with RA who did not receive Cs and 20 healthy control subjects matched for age, sex, menopausal and nutritional status. All subjects were assessed clinically and by lateral plain x-ray on dorsal and lumbar spines to detect vertebral deformities scored by kleerekoper method.Results : Vertebral deformities were found in 28(28%) patients on Cs and in 14(14%) patient not on Cs. Seven (7%)( patients in the group on Cs had experienced clinical manifestations of an acute vertebral fracture in the past Vs only one (1%) patient among those not on Cs. There were statistically significant differences between both groups regarding prevalence of vertebral deformities and symptomatic vertebral fractures. Vertebral deformities were not found in anyone of the control subjects. Wedge deformity was the most frequently observed type of vertebral deformities followed by upper endplate deformity (5%) then compression deformity (3.5%) of total RA patients. All types of vertebral deformities occurred more frequently in RA patients on Cs. We did not find any consistent relation between prevalence of vertebral deformities & symptomatic vertebral fractures with the cumulative Cs dose. Antiosteoporotic drugs were used more in RA patients on Cs than in those not on Cs.Age, sex, menopausal status, functional capacity and disease activity are risk factors for vertebral deformities in RA patients. Conclusion. There is a higher prevalence of vertebral deformities and clinical manifestations of vertebral fractures in RA patients on Cs than in those not Cs. Our data indicate that the use of Cs may increase the risk of development of a vertebral deformities and symptomatic vertebral fractures in patients with RA, regardless the cumulative Cs dose.