title: Long-term results of total knee arthroplasty in class 3 and 4 rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: One hundred four total knee arthroplasties in 67 patients with class 3 and 4 rheumatoid arthritis were reviewed clinically and radiographically at an average of 12.7 years. The Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores were good to excellent in 84 knees (81%). Seventeen knees (16%) were rated as fair, and three knees (3%) as poor. The average range of motion at follow-up examination was 95 degrees. Six knees failed due to delayed sepsis (4.1%), and two failed due to aseptic loosening. At a follow-up period of 15 years, the survivorship analysis suggests a 91% probability of the arthroplasty remaining functional in situ. Cemented total condylar knee arthroplasties in severe rheumatoid arthritis provide durable pain relief and restoration of function.
authors.affiliation: Center for Total Joint Replacement, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saddler
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Edelman
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Ranawat
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D012086:Reoperation; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome