Total knee arthroplasty improves both knee function and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effect of TKA with capsulosynovectomy on disease activity and knee function in patients with RA.

Methods: Seventy-six RA patients who underwent primary TKA with more than two years of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed to assess postoperative knee function and disease activity.

Results: Postoperative knee function was significantly improved in all clinical scores, and maintained up to 24 months after surgery. RA disease activity was significantly decreased in DAS28-CRP, CDAI, and serum CRP level, and maintained up to 24 months after surgery. Postoperative knee function was negatively correlated with RA disease activity.

Conclusions: TKA improves both knee function and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Keywords:

• Disease activity
• Knee function
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Total knee arthroplasty

Conflict of interest

None.