According to new analysis published in Arthritis & Rheumatism patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have more complications after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) than patients with osteoarthritis (OA). These patients also have a higher risk for dislocation of replaced hip joints.
Compared with patients with OA, patients with RA had increased risk for dislocation after total hip replacement and increased risk for infection after total knee replacement, but did not have higher revision rates.
Researchers were surprised that RA patients had double the risk for hip dislocation after total hip arthroplasty compared with patients with OA. Experts suspect this may be, in part, a result of greater soft tissue damage or poorer hip abductor strength in patients with RA vs patients with OA.
Infection risk was up to a 10-fold higher in patient with RA after total knee arthroplasty, particularly in patients with prior infection in the replaced joint, prior infection in any joint, or longer duration of operating.
Considering an arthroscopic surgery? Make sure your orthopaedic surgeon is properly trained and experienced in knee arthroscopy and hip arthroscopy before going under the knife. Discuss all your surgical options – including the risks and benefits – thoroughly before committing to a surgery date.
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Source: Medscape.com