Article

Although decreasing with the development of effective
pharmacological regimes, joint surgery has improved the function and quality of
life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Few studies have assessed
patient-reported outcomes after RA surgery to the lower extremities. Here we
report patient-relevant outcome after RA-related surgery based on the first data
from the Swedish National Register of Rheuma Surgery (RAKIR).
METHODS: 258 RA patients (212 women) who had joint surgery performed at the
Department of Orthopaedics, Spenshult Hospital between September 2007 and June
2009 were included. Mean age at surgery was 64 (20-86) years. The patients
completed the SF-36 and HAQ questionnaires preoperatively and 6 months
postoperatively, and 165 patients completed them after 12 months. RESULTS:
Improvement was seen as early as at 6 months. At 12 months, 165 patients (141
women)-including hip (n = 15), knee (n = 27), foot (n = 102), and ankle (n = 21)
patients-reported statistically significant improvements from preoperatively to
12 months postoperatively in HAQ (mean change: -0.11) and SF-36 subscales
physical function (11), role physical (12), bodily pain (13), social functioning
(6.4), and role emotional (9.4). Hip and knee patients reported the greatest
improvements. INTERPRETATION: Orthopedic RA-related surgery of the lower
extremities has a strong effect on pain and physical function. Improvement is
evident as early as 6 months postoperatively and remains after 12 months.

Langue : ANGLAIS