Current review of surgical management options for total knee arthroplasty in the rheumatoid knee

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) represents a condition that can erode cartilage and damage joints, leading to inflammation and loss of movement, characterized by inflammatory synovitis. While the widespread use of potent disease-modifying medications has increased opportunities for RA patients, orthopedic surgery and complete joint arthroplasty remain an important option in end-stage joint treatment. The knee is one of the most frequently affected joints in chronic rheumatoid arthritis patients. The severity of RA ranges from a moderate illness to a serious, rapidly progressing, destructive version, gradually leading to incessant pain and joint deformity. Despite recent advances in biological agents and therapeutic modalities in the field of rheumatology, certain patients with RA, who ultimately undergo joint surgery, tend to experience progressive joint damage. Though, TKA can be performed in these patients, increased complications and poorer outcomes may result after total knee arthroplasty, because of the particularities given by RA. They are associated with extended operating time, specifically resulting in increased infection, blood loss and deep vein thrombosis. However, because RA patients present additional risk factors for complications, certain critical preoperative examination and surgical aspects need to be considered in order to maximize TKA outcomes in this subgroup of patients.