title: Total knee arthroplasty in the young rheumatoid patient.
abstract: Thirty-four total knee arthroplasties were performed for severe rheumatoid arthritis in 25 patients younger than 45 years. All patients were available for follow-up evaluation at an average of 7.2 years. According to the Knee Society scoring system, the knee score improved from an average of 21 points preoperatively to 85 points at follow-up (p < 0.001). The average functional score improved from 23 points to 87 points (p < 0.001). Average range of motion improved from 71 degrees to 93 degrees (p < 0.001). Nonprogressive radiolucencies less than 1-mm thick were observed in 6 knees. One knee was revised for severe polyethylene wear; another case was revised for chronic patellar dislocation. Actuarial survivorship analysis estimates a 97% survivorship after 5 years and 90% after after 10 years. In young rheumatoid patients, total knee arthroplasty can therefore be considered as a reliable procedure, with satisfactory results during at least the first 5 to 10 postoperative years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, U.Z. Pellenberg, Catholic University Leuven.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bellemans
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Victor
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Westhovens
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dequeker
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fabry
mesh_terms: D000206:Actuarial Analysis; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000209:etiology; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010329:Patella / Q000503:physiopathology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013499:Surface Properties; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes