Outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease that targets synovial joints and can lead to joint destruction. While most total knee and total hip arthroplasty procedures are performed in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), they are also effective in treating advanced joint destruction of the knee and hip in patients with RA, although differences have been reported between these groups. Patterns of use, complications and outcomes may differ for patients with RA compared with patients with OA. This review will address the change in utilization of arthroplasty in RA, differences in comorbidities and adverse events in patients with RA compared with OA, and the similarities and differences in pain and function outcomes after total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty.