Total Knee Rephacement Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mid-term follow-up

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Rheumatoid arthritis patients have difficulty in rehabilitative movement postoperatively, and prosthesis fixation due to osteoporosis. We evaluate the mid-term clinical, radiographic results and patients satisfaction degree of total knee replacement arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis retrospectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October, 1989 and May, 1994, 125 total knee replacement arthro- plasties were performed in 83 rheumatoid arthritis patients. Of these, we can follow up 99 knees in 70 patients, who were evaluated retrospectively for at least 5 years. The average age of the patients at the operation was 48.7(23-71) years old. The average follow up period was 87(60 112) months RESULTS: The average range of motion was increased 90.7 degrees preoperatively to 113.9 degrees at the final followup examination. The radiolucency score was average 1.14(1-9) points on roentgenographic evaluation and there was one loosening of tibial component, which was performed revision arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the total knee replacement arthroplasty relieve pain and increase range of motion, restore the function, cause rare complication and good patients own satisfaction, with relatively satisfactory results.