Surgical treatment option in rheumatoid arthritis

ABSTRACT

A large number of patients who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis undergo a chronic and progressive course. Surgical treatment is often needed for these patients, who have not responded to medical treatment. The aim of surgical intervention in rheumatoid arthritis is to restore function and quality of life by preventing joint destruction, correcting deformity, relieving pain, and making cosmetic improvements. There are many surgical options, including synovectomy, osteotomy, arthrodesis, resection arthroplasty, joint replacement, surgeries for the treatment of the tendon involved (repair, transfer, graft), and cervical spine surgery (fusion or decompression). The selection of the optimal surgical option requires consideration of not only the articular status and the degree of regional deformity involved, but also the physical status and age of the patient. In addition, timely surgical intervention is important because a delay of surgery often results in poorer functional outcomes and an increase in postoperative complications. Early referral to orthopedic treatment can provide better functional outcomes for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Precise prediction of the disease progress and selection of the optimal treatment option are needed for excellent results to be expected. Therefore, a cooperative and multidisciplinary treatment strategy should be made among the relevant teams, such as physical medicine, rheumatology, orthopedics, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, and psychology.