抄録
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate recent changes of knees in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods: We analyzed the changes of the number of surgeries for patients for both upper and lower extremities between 2000 and 2013, inclusive. In 203 cases of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the radiological findings, clinical data, and the usage of medications was analyzed.
Results: The number of surgeries for patients with RA affecting the lower extremities was significantly decreased over time; conversely, the number of surgeries for the upper extremities was increased. In our registry, the ratio of surgery for RA affecting the knees was significantly decreased, whereas the number of toe surgeries was increased. In cases of TKA, the average Larsen grade did not show a major change. In respect of the preoperative femoral-tibial angle (FTA), although cases of severe varus deformity have decreased recently, the average FTA showed no change per year. In older patients, an increased number of cases with the spur formation were observed; half or more of the cases showed spur formation after 2011. In addition, an increased dose of methotrexate and a reduction in the dose of prednisolone was observed year on year.
Conclusion: In our registry, the ratio of surgery for RA of the knees was significantly decreased. An increased number of the cases with spur formation may reflect the relative increase of RA of the knees, which may produce an osteoarthritis-like change.
