Abstract

Abstract Background Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common inflammatory rheumatism in childhood characterized by destructive potential. The involvement of weight-bearing joints constitutes an evolutionary turning point in the course of the disease, which may be responsible for a major functional handicap. In this context, arthroplasty constitutes a therapeutic alternative. Through this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of the prosthetic surgery and its benefits in children with JIA. Methods This is a retrospective study of JIA patients. The diagnosis of JIA was selected according to ILAR criteria. All the patients included were followed for a minimum of 1 year. The parameters collected were: pain VAS, HAQ, Lequesnealgofunctional index (AFI), disease activity scores and mobility of the operated joint before and 6 months after surgery. Results Forty -four JIA patients were followed over an average period of 14 years (minimum of 1 year). The mean age of disease onset was 9 years [1.5–16 years]. Fifteen cases of coxitis (34%) and 4 cases of destruction of the knees (9%) were noted after an average course of the disease of 8 years [6 months–19 years]. Radiologically, coxofemoral ankylosis is reported in 6 cases, acetabular protrusion in 2 others and total destruction of the knee with misalignment in 2 cases. Eight patients required hip replacement surgery and 2 knee cases. In all cases, the hip prostheses were bilateral. Only one knee prosthesis was placed. The JIA subtype was rheumatoid factor seronegative polyarthritis in 5 cases and enthesitis related arthritis in 3 cases. Six months after surgery, the average AFI dropped from 15.4–4.5; the pain VAS from 73 mm to 50 mm and the HAQ from 2.5–1.06. In the polyarticular JIA, the DAS28 composite score decreased from 4.02–3.8 and in ERA patients the BASDAI decreased from 6.5–4.25 while BASFI remained stable. Recovery of joint mobility was partial in only one case. No immediate or late postoperative complications were noted. Conclusion Prosthetic surgery provided improvement in disease activity and recovery of gait pattern in children with severe JIA. However, the decision of an arthroplasty remains delicate in children, especially since this intervention can compromise the stature growth.

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