Rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with generalized, as well as, juxta-articular osteoporosis. To assess the skeletal distribution of bone loss, bone mass was measured in women with rheumatoid arthritis, using single photon absorptiometry and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Bone loss was more rapid in the distal metaphyseal region of the radius than in the diaphyseal region. Bone loss in the legs was correlated with gait disturbance and bone loss in the third lumbar vertebra was recognized only in the patients treated with corticosteroids for more than 1 year. These results indicate that rheumatoid arthritis was not universally associated with generalized osteoporosis. Patients treated with corticosteroids are likely to be at risk from generalized osteoporosis.