Perioperative Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Issue 9 (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saleh, Khaled J.; Kurdi, Alexander J.; El-Othmani, Mouhanad M.; Voss, Benjamin A.; Tzeng, Tony H.; Saleh, Jasmine; Lane, Joseph M.; Mihalko, William M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Volume 23:Issue 9(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: rheumatoid arthritis -- disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs -- preoperative clearance; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery -- Periodicals; Joint Diseases -- Periodicals; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Orthopedic surgery; Orthopedics; Periodicals; 616.7005
• DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1067-151X

Abstract

Abstract : Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease mediated by a widespread chronic systematic inflammatory process that causes joint deterioration, which leads to pain, disability, and poor quality of life. The increased use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has been shown to markedly slow disease progression, which has translated into a decrease in the need for orthopaedic intervention in this population. However, a substantial percentage of patients with the disease fail optimal pharmacologic treatment and still require surgical intervention. A thorough understanding of medical considerations in these patients and improved knowledge of the medical complications caused by the disease process and the pharmacologic therapy used to treat it may lead to improved preoperative planning and medical clearance, which may ultimately improve the overall postoperative outcome.