Total Knee Arthroplasty For Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Articles

The Impact of Perioperative Use of Nonbiologic Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs on Perioperative Blood Loss and Complications in Patients Who Have Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was associated with increased risk of postoperative periprosthetic joint and wound infections as well as worse platelet function in patients who have knee rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study investigated the effects of DMARDS on perioperative blood loss, complications, and blood transfusion in patients undergoing TKA for knee RA. MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled patients undergoing TKA for knee RA at our hospital between 2017 and 2021 who received DMARDs (n = 73) or not (n = 84). Every RA patient was matched with patients who had osteoarthritis (OA) in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. Primary outcomes were intraoperative and perioperative blood losses, while secondary outcomes were complications and allogeneic transfusions. ResultsThe mean total (804 versus 728 mL (mL), P = .114), mean intraoperative (113 versus 101 mL, P = .488), or hidden blood losses (705 versus 640 mL, P = .340) did not differ statistically between RA patients who received DMARDs versus those who did not. RA patients who received DMARDs showed significantly greater mean total (804 versus 654 mL, P = .001), intraoperative (113 versus 75 mL, P = .002), and hidden blood losses (705 versus 560 mL, P = .016) than OA patients. No statistical differences were found in complications or allogeneic transfusions. ConclusionAlthough RA patients experienced greater perioperative blood loss than OA patients, there was no statistical difference in perioperative blood loss, complications, or allogeneic transfusions between RA patients who received DMARDs and those who did not.

How much preoperative flexion contracture is a predictor for residual flexion contracture after total knee arthroplasty in hemophilic arthropathy and rheumatoid arthritis?

BackgroundAlthough total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in hemophilic arthropathy (HA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can improve functional ability, the postoperative range of motion (ROM) and prosthesis durability are reduced compared with those in osteoarthritic patients.AimWe aimed to compare (1) the pre- and postoperative flexion contracture after TKA in HA and RA, (2) the threshold of preoperative flexion contracture as a predictor of residual contracture > 15° after TKA, and (3) the survival rate.MethodsData from a consecutive cohort comprising 48 TKAs in HA and 92 TKAs in RA were retrospectively reviewed. The degree of flexion contracture was analyzed. Through receiver operating characteristics analysis, we aimed to determine the cutoff value of preoperative flexion contracture that increases the risk of residual contracture > 15° after TKA and compare the cutoff value in HA and RA. The survival rate was evaluated based on life table analysis and the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsThe degree of preoperative flexion contracture was not significantly different. The degree of postoperative residual flexion contracture was 5.6° in the HA group and 1.4° in the RA group, respectively (p < 0.001). The cutoff value of preoperative flexion contracture for residual contracture of > 15° at last-follow up was 25.0° in the HA group and 32.5° in the RA group. The 5- and 12-year survival rates were 96% and 87% in the HA and 99% and 95% in the RA group, respectively (n.s.).ConclusionsThe postoperative residual flexion contracture was greater and the cutoff value of preoperative flexion contracture for residual contracture was smaller in the HA group than the RA group. Appropriate intra- and postoperative care to avoid postoperative residual contracture is required in HA patients.Level of evidenceIII.

A retrospective comparative study of complications after total knee replacement in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rates have significantly increased over the past few decades; consequently, so too have the absolute number of complications. International literature expounds on complications in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) subgroups from the developed context, but these findings cannot be generalised to the developing world, where access to medication, medical facilities and patient characteristics may differ. The purpose of this study was to determine the comparative rates and nature of complications that occur post total knee arthroplasty in RA and OA patients at a single South African quaternary hospital. METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative study of complication rates in two groups following TKA at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) arthroplasty unit, between 1 January 2014 and 29 February 2020. The data was collected retrospectively, utilising the digitised patient management system at the hospital. Data extraction included patient demographics, time to surgery, indication for surgery and early complication rates. Descriptive analysis was performed to quantify complications, comparing the two groups. RESULTS: The chart review yielded 332 cases, comprising 41 RA and 291 OA patients. The mean age of the combined participant group was 65 years (standard deviation [SD] 8). Most cases were female (87%, 289 of 332), with males comprising 13% (43 of 332). Concomitant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was present in 6% of patients (20 of 332), and 24% (80 of 332) had diabetes mellitus (DM). The absolute number of complications was greater in the OA group, where revision surgery was performed in 3% (8 of 291) of cases, infection occurred in 1% (3 of 291), mechanical complications in 3% (10 of 291), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in 1% (2 of 291) of cases. There was one complication, a DVT, in the RA group (2%, 1 of 41). CONCLUSION: In the current study, complications after TKA occurred predominantly in the OA group, 8% (23 of 291) as compared to the RA group, 2% (1 of 41). Complications included DVT, revision surgery, infection and mechanical complications. The study was underpowered to detect significant differences between the groups. Further large-scale investigation will be required to determine if differences in complication rate are significant when low complication incidence is anticipated. Level of evidence: Level 4.

Acute surgical site infection after total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis versus osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the main cause for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), followed by rheumatoid arthritis. Previous studies have reported conflicting results concerning the risk of surgical site infection after TKA for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients. Thus, this study aimed to examine whether rheumatoid arthritis patients had a higher risk of acute surgical site infection after TKA compared to osteoarthritis patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database of the whole population from 2012 to 2015, and collected the medical records of osteoarthritis patients or rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent TKA. To evaluate the risk of acute surgical site infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients, propensity score matching was implemented for osteoarthritis patients. Acute surgical site infection was observed in 2.58% of TKA cases in rheumatoid arthritis patients and 2.66% of TKA cases in osteoarthritis patients. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis patients had comparable risk for 90-day (odds ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.371–1.768) and 1-year (odds ratio = 0.463, 95% confidence interval: 0.121–1.766) surgical site infection. In conclusion, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were not at higher risk of acute surgical site infection after TKA compared to osteoarthritis patients. The current treatment strategy for patients with RA is safe and appropriate if they require TKA.

Complications of total knee arthroplasty in patients with haemophilia compared with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: A 20-year single-surgeon cohort.

Patients with haemophilia are prone to haemophilic arthropathy (HA). For end-stage HA, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective procedure. However, limited data were available regarding complications of TKA in HA patients. To provide comprehensive comparisons of TKA complications among patients with osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or HA. The present study was a single-surgeon cohort study including patients who underwent TKAs for OA, HA or RA from January 1997 to December 2017. The information of patients was extracted from medical records and follow-up database. The primary outcome was complications. Potential risk factors of complications in HA patients were also evaluated. A total of 1515 patients with 2083 TKAs were selected following the criteria. The overall complication rate in the HA group was 21.79%, which was much higher than the OA or RA group (7.08% and 8.70%, respectively, P<.05). The dominate complications were prosthetic loosening and wound dehiscence. For HA, more complications occurred in the period more than 1year after TKA when compared with OA (33.33% vs 11.43%, P=.028). Among the potential risk factors, patients with haemophilia B and severe haemophilia had significantly higher complication rates (P<.05 for both). When compared with OA or RA, HA patients had different characteristics on complications, including the higher complication rate, different complication distribution and later occurring time. In HA patients who underwent TKA, haemophilia B and severe haemophilia were risk factors of complications which should be paid more attention to.

Patient Satisfaction Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: Comparison of Short-Term Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

Due to the obvious differences in the natural course of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), different functional outcomes might be expected after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in these distinct patients. Although several studies have reported the objective outcome of TKA in RA and OA patients, few studies have compared post-operative patient-satisfaction levels. In this clinical cohort study 171 patients (RA: n=33, OA: n=138) who underwent TKA with posterior stabilizing knee prosthesis were included. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) were used to evaluate and compare patients' satisfaction 6 and 12 months after TKA relative to their preoperative state and to make an assessment between two groups. Both of patient-reported scoring systems showed a statistically significant improvement for OA and RA patients at 6 and 12 months after surgery, relative to their preoperative scores. The results of the OKS and KOOS did not show statistically significant improvement from 6 to 12 months n RA patients. Unlike RA group, OKS and KOOS revealed further improvement between 6 and 12 months for the osteoarthritic patients. OA patients had continuous improvement in their satisfaction in the first year after TKA with a gentle upward curve. In contrast, in RA patients, recovery was faster and greater in the first six months after surgery and slowed down in the second six months. Patient-reported outcome scores were not significantly different between two groups at the end of the first year.

MANAGEMENT OF KNEE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has different features from those seen in patients with osteoarthritis. In 1970 85% of the patients undergoing TKA had rheumatoid arthritis. Nowadays less than 5% of the patients undergoing TKA have rheumatoid disease. An important reason for the marked decrease is the improvement of the medical treatment. Fewer patients now progress to permanent structural damage requiring arthroplasty. TKA in RA has management difficulties that are unique to the disease. These include ipsilateral hip involvement, bilaterality, anticoagulation needs, flexion contractures, rheumatoid cysts and possibly the need for synovectomy. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are more vulnerable to both early and late infections. They require a prosthesis and technique that provide adequate flexion for activities of daily living. Their often-profound osteopenia can lead to intraoperative and postoperative fractures. Finally, their cervical spine and temporal-mandibular disease create challenging anesthetic considerations. Nevertheless, given these considerations and the degree of preoperative disability suffered by patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the results of surgery can be extremely dramatic and gratifying to both patient and surgeon.

Rationale of Cruciate Retaining Design in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of Clinical Analysis and its Role in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Background:Over the years, proponents of total knee designs (cruciate retaining and posterior stabilised) have conducted several long-term studies to claim the potential of these designs in several subsets of patients. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has also been one such domain where numerous studies were conducted in the past. A general perception among majority of arthroplasty surgeons is that, posterior stabilised (PS) is the implanted design of choice among patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, with the available literature there is a significant disparity related to the selection of implants in patients with rheumatoid RA. In this review of literature, an attempt is made to identify the clinical performance and role of one such implant design, the cruciate retaining (CR) prosthesis in rheumatoid arthritis.Method:The review was conducted after a series of advanced search in the following medical databases; Pub med, Biomed central, Cochrane and Google scholar for articles related to long term follow up studies of cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis using the keywords cruciate retaining prosthesis, total knee arthroplasty, rheumatoid arthritis.Results:The available data demonstrate that the CR design is attributed with an excellent long term survivorship and functional outcome even in follow up studies up to twenty-five years.Conclusion:The advantages of using a CR design are long term survivorship, controlled femoral roll back and preservation of bone stock. Thus, the data gathered in this review lead to a consideration that the CR design is an implant design on par with PS design in patients with RA.

Infection and revision rates following primary total knee arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis versus osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis compared infection and revision rates in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Rates of superficial wound and deep periprosthetic infections were compared in the groups, as were whether revision rates associated with infectious and noninfectious causes differed in the RA and OA groups. Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they (1) compared infection and revision rates after primary TKA in RA and OA patients; (2) directly compared superficial wound and deep periprosthetic infection rates in RA and OA patients who underwent primary TKA; and (3) reported the actual numbers of RA and OA patients who underwent TKA and developed postoperative infection and/or required revision. The rate of superficial wound infections after primary TKA was similar in the RA and OA groups (15/258 [5.8%] vs. 77/1609 [4.7%]; odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36-3.46; P=n.n.), but the deep infection rate was significantly higher in RA than in OA patients (229/7651 [3.0%] vs. 642/68628 [0.9%]; OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.37-3.05; P<0.001). The proportion of subjects who required revision resulting from infection after TKA was significantly higher in the RA than in the OA group (86/8201 [1.0%] vs. 555/118755 [0.5%]; OR 1.89, 95% CI 1,34-2.66; P<0.001), whereas the proportion of subjects requiring revision due to noninfectious causes did not differ significantly (46/594 [7.7%] vs. 52/904 [5.7%]; OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.74-2.00; P=n.n.) CONCLUSION: Following primary TKA, RA patients had a significantly higher rate of deep periprosthetic infections than OA patients, but their superficial infection rates were similar. The revision rate due to infectious causes was significantly higher in RA than in OA patients, but their revision rates due to noninfectious causes did not differ. Therefore, the surgeon should fully explain to RA patients scheduled to undergo primary TKA that, compared to OA patients,they are more likely to experience a deep infection postsurgery. Meta-analysis Level III.

Disease activity, knee function, and walking ability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis 10 years after primary total knee arthroplasty.

To evaluate disease activity, knee function, and walking ability of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 10 years after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Four men and 26 women (mean age, 59.9 years) underwent 42 TKAs for RA with a mean duration of 151.3 months and were followed up for a mean of 142.3 months. Preoperatively, disease activity was assessed by C-reactive protein (CRP) level only, and the range of knee motion was recorded. At the final follow-up, tender joint count, swollen joint count, visual analogue scale of RA symptoms, and the Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (MHAQ) score were assessed. Disease activity was evaluated using CRP, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and Disease Activity Score. Range of motion and Knee Society knee and function scores were also assessed. The use of methotrexate increased from 4 patients preoperatively to 20 patients at the final follow-up (p<0.001), and the mean dose increased from 3.9 to 6.3 mg/week (p<0.001). Among the 30 patients, the mean CRP level decreased from 2.63 mg/dl preoperatively to 0.61 mg/dl at the final follow-up (p<0.001). Disease activity was controlled. At the final follow-up, disease activity was in remission in 10 patients, low in 11, and moderate in 9. The mean Knee Society knee score was excellent (91.0), but the mean function score was poor (57.0) and diverse. Severe walking disability (function score, <40) was noted in 8 patients (11 TKAs). Knee and function scores did not correlate. Walking ability in patients with RA after TKA was generally poor. Poor function was associated with a history of spinal or lower extremity fracture surgery and the MHAQ score.

Relationship between patient-based outcome score and conventional objective outcome scales in post-operative total knee arthroplasty patients

Evaluations for knee osteoarthritis (OA) or post-operative total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have mainly been assessed by objective scales. Though the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) is attracting attention as a patient-based outcome score, the relationship with conventional objective scales after TKA remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between KOOS and conventional objective scales and evaluate the features of patient-based outcome scores. Subjects were 130 post-operative patients involving 186 knees treated with TKA. Their mean age was 74.0 ± 8.0years, and the follow-up period was 43months. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, original Knee Society Score (KSS) and surgeon's satisfaction score were scored as conventional objective scales besides KOOS. Spearman's correlation coefficient was estimated between these scales. Comparisons between OA and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as primary and revision surgery were performed by the Mann-Whitney U test. There were strong correlations between KOOS activities of daily living (ADL) and JOA score (r = 0.806), KSS function score (r = 0.803) and between KOOS pain and KSS knee score (r = 0.689). However, there was a poor correlation between KOOS and surgeon's satisfaction score (r = 0.188-0.321). TKA for RA showed poorer results only in KOOS pain (p = 0.003), and revision surgery showed poorer results in KSS function, KOOS symptoms and KOOS quality of life (QOL). This study suggested that conventional objective scales reflected mainly ADL disturbances in post-operative TKA patients. Furthermore, patient-based outcome scores made it possible to evaluate and detect a minute change of knee pain and QOL in TKA patients. The Japanese KOOS was a useful tool to evaluate conditions after TKA.

AB0352 Patellar non-resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis

BackgroundPatellar resurfacing in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. However, a number of authors have recommended routine patellar resurfacing of patella in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.ObjectivesTo investigate whether patellar resurfacing...

Total Knee Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Large Tibial Condyle Defects

To review clinical results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with large bone defects of the tibial condyle. Records of 33 knees in 27 women and 3 men aged 44 to 80 (mean, 63.6) years who underwent primary TKA for RA with large tibial bone defects were reviewed. 16 knees had peripheral defects extending to the bone cortex, whereas 17 knees had central defects that did not extend to the bone cortex. The femorotibial angle (FTA) was <170º in 15 knees, 170º to 180º in 3 knees, and >180º in 15 knees. The mean duration of RA was 13.5 (range, 3-35) years. In 14 knees with severe bone defects, bone grafts (harvested from articular surfaces of knee bones and fixed without screws or Kirschner wires) and/ or metal wedges (for peripheral defects) were used to fill the defects. Clinical outcome was assessed pre- and post-operatively using Knee Society scores. The mean follow-up duration was 6.3 (range, 2.3-13.2) years. The mean depth of tibial bone defects was 11.2 (range, 1-25) mm, whereas the mean width ratio of the bone defects was 36.5% (range, 16.4-76.9%). Mean extension and flexion (range of motion) improved from -12.5º and 113.4º to -5.1º and 115.6º, respectively. The mean Knee Society knee score improved from 35 (range, 21-59) to 85 (range, 49-95), whereas the mean Knee Society function score improved from 30 (range, 25-53) to 80 (range, 44-97) [p<0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test]. The cruciate retention prosthesis was used in 6 knees; the posterior stabilised prosthesis was used in 27 knees; and the constrained condylar knee prosthesis was used in 3 knees. No patient had any infection or implant loosening. TKA achieved favourable outcome for RA patients with large tibial bone defects. The type of prosthesis used and the use of bone grafts and/ or metal wedges were based on the depth and width ratio of the bone defects.

All-polyethylene tibial components in TKA in rheumatoid arthritis: a 25-year follow-up study

PurposeThere is renewed interest in the all-polyethylene tibial component in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Long-term results of this prosthesis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, however, are limited. Therefore, we studied 104 primary cemented all-polyethylene tibial TKA in 80 consecutive RA patients for up to 25 years to determine the long-term survival of all-polyethylene tibial components in patients suffering from end stage RA.MethodsWe estimated revision rates according the revision rate per 100 observed component years used in national joint registries. Kaplan–Meier was used to estimate survival curves.ResultsDuring the 25-year follow-up, three revisions for tibial component loosening were performed. The mean revision rate of all-polyethylene tibial components with revision for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 0.09 per 100 observed component years. This corresponds to a revision rate of 0.9% after ten years and 2.25% after 25 years. Survivorship according to Kaplan–Meier was 100% at ten years and 87.5% at 25 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 64.6–100)].ConclusionThis study shows good long-term results of all-polyethylene tibial TKA in patients with RA. RA patients with multiple-joint inflammation may be less physically active than osteoarthritis patients, resulting in a lower demand on the prosthesis, and these patients may, indeed, be good candidates for all-polyethylene tibial TKA. Our results suggest that all-polyethylene tibial TKA could be a successful and cost-saving treatment for end-stage knee arthritis in RA patients.

Risk factors for total knee arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis

We conducted a study to assess the predictive factors for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients recruited and followed prospectively for 5 years. A linked registry study using information from a large observational cohort of RA patients followed at the Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University (IORRA) was done. Baseline routine clinical and laboratory assessments were recorded. The data were analyzed using the multivariate piecewise-linear Cox (PL-Cox) regression model; the model initially included variables such as gender, age, duration of the disease, visual analog scale (VAS) generated by physicians (VAS-physician), patient-reported VAS for pain (VAS-pain), VAS for general health (VAS-GH), disability level using the Japanese version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (J-HAQ), C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor (RF), and hemoglobin. Of the 3945 patients registered at baseline, 955 (24.2%) had pain or tenderness in their knee joints, and 114 (11.9%) had TKA surgery in one or both knee joints. On PL-Cox regression, the variables with positive coefficients were J-HAQ, VAS-pain, VAS-physician, and RF positive; advanced age was associated with a reduced risk of TKA. The hazard ratios were: 0.920 for age >60 years; 2.64 for J-HAQ <1.5; 1.01 for J-HAQ >1.5; 1.47 for VAS-pain >6 (cm); 1.20 for VAS-physician >4 (cm); and 2.08 for RF positive. The consistently predictive factors for TKA in RA were age, J-HAQ, VAS-pain, VAS-physician, and RF positive. Age greater than 60 years was associated with a decreased risk of TKA, while J-HAQ from 0 to 1.5, VAS-pain >6 (cm), and VAS-physician >4 (cm) were associated with an increased risk for TKA surgery. These results suggest that, when treating RA patients, physicians should pay particular attention to pain complaints, the patient's daily activity level, and the RF factor status.

Risk factors for total knee arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis

We conducted a study to assess the predictive factors for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients recruited and followed prospectively for 5 years. A linked registry study using information from a large observational cohort of RA patients followed at the Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University (IORRA) was done. Baseline routine clinical and laboratory assessments were recorded. The data were analyzed using the multivariate piecewise-linear Cox (PL-Cox) regression model; the model initially included variables such as gender, age, duration of the disease, visual analog scale (VAS) generated by physicians (VAS-physician), patient-reported VAS for pain (VAS-pain), VAS for general health (VAS-GH), disability level using the Japanese version of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (J-HAQ), C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor (RF), and hemoglobin. Of the 3945 patients registered at baseline, 955 (24.2%) had pain or tenderness in their knee joints, and 114 (11.9%) had TKA surgery in one or both knee joints. On PL-Cox regression, the variables with positive coefficients were J-HAQ, VAS-pain, VAS-physician, and RF positive; advanced age was associated with a reduced risk of TKA. The hazard ratios were: 0.920 for age >60 years; 2.64 for J-HAQ <1.5; 1.01 for J-HAQ >1.5; 1.47 for VAS-pain >6 (cm); 1.20 for VAS-physician >4 (cm); and 2.08 for RF positive. The consistently predictive factors for TKA in RA were age, J-HAQ, VAS-pain, VAS-physician, and RF positive. Age greater than 60 years was associated with a decreased risk of TKA, while J-HAQ from 0 to 1.5, VAS-pain >6 (cm), and VAS-physician >4 (cm) were associated with an increased risk for TKA surgery. These results suggest that, when treating RA patients, physicians should pay particular attention to pain complaints, the patient's daily activity level, and the RF factor status.