Rheumatoid Arthritis Evaluated by Locomotion Score: A Population Study

Abstract

The effects of rheumatoid arthritis on locomotion status were assessed in an epidemiologically representative Swedish population sample. In a steady community of 12,707 inhabitants, 82 patients were found fulfilling ARA criteria 5–8 (Rome 1961). Prevalence was 0.51 % for men, 0.78 for women and 0.65 in the overall population (unpublished observation). The ratio women: men was 1:0.67. Mean age was 65 (30–92) years, age at onset 47 (7–91) and disease duration 19 (1–65) years. All patients were evaluated clinically with total locomotion score (best= 100, worst = 0). This was 72 (24–96) overall; 76 (24–96) for men and 68 (30–94) for women. Among the ages above 64, women had significantly (p < 0.02) lower scores than men. Mean subjective score (max. 100) was 62 (4–93) overall; 67 (5–93) for men and 58 (9–92) for women, and objective score (max. 100) 82 (23–100); 85 (44–99) for men and 78 (23–100) for women. Over the years, a total of 108 reconstructive operations had been performed on 36 out of the 82 patients (44%). Indication for further reconstructive surgery was found in as many as 56% of the patients, including 58 major joint replacements. Scores for patients in need of operation were significantly lower than those for those who were considered not to need an operation.

Key Words:

• Key words: rheumatoid arthritis
• locomotion score
• epidemiology