Outcome of joint replacement in patients with underlying rheumatoid disease

Abstract

Artificial joint replacement is ameaningful treatment option for patients with advanced rheumatic degenerative joint diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the underlying rheumatic diseases on postoperative complications and patient-reported outcome (PRO) after elective total joint replacement (TJR). In aretrospective analysis of 9149 patients with elective total knee or total hip arthroplasty (TKR and THR), complication rates and PRO of patients with and without rheumatic diseases (RD) were compared. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine whether the underlying rheumatic disease was an independent risk factor for various complications. In the univariate analyses the RD patients had an increased risk of medical complications (7.1% vs. 5.2%; p = 0.028) and Clavien-Dindo gradeIV complications (2.8% vs. 1.8%; p = 0.048) after TJR. This was confirmed in multivariate statistical analyses (p < 0.034). The rates for operative revisions and surgical complications were comparable (2.5% vs. 2.4%; p = 0.485). Analysis of the PRO showed ahigher responder rate in patients with RD after TKR (91.9% vs. 84.5%, p = 0.039). In contrast, the responder rate in patients with RD after THR was comparable (93.4% vs. 93.2%, p = 0.584). Despite increased postoperative complication rates, patients with underlying rheumatic diseases showed acomparable outcome 1 year after TJR. After TKR the RD patients showed even higher responder rates. Although RD patients are avulnerable patient group, they can still benefit from joint replacement.