Whether you will need rheumatoid arthritis surgery will depend largely on how severe your disease is and whether medications have been effective at controlling its damaging effects. Surgical procedures ranging from synovectomy to arthroplasty may be suggested by your doctor.
With the development of new medications and more aggressive, early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the need for some surgeries may be reduced – or even nonexistent – in the future. But for now, rheumatoid arthritis surgery remains a viable important treatment option. The development of surgical options for arthritis over the past few decades is one of the major breakthroughs in helping people remain active and continue to enjoy life after their diagnosis.
People with rheumatoid arthritis can face surgery at various points in the course of their disease. For example, in the early stages of the disease, synovectomy (the surgical removal of the synovium, or lining of the joint) may be performed when one or two joints are affected by inflammation more than other joints. However, this procedure is less common now than in the past. In later stages of rheumatoid arthritis, an arthrodesis, or fusion of a joint, may greatly relieve pain. If severe joint damage (most commonly in a hip or knee) has occurred, a total joint replacement, or arthroplasty, may dramatically relieve pain and improve a person’s ability to function.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Will I Need Surgery?
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Tammy
09 Mar 2010, 08:33
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| I have recently been diag with RA. Working in the healthcare field has made me even more scared of the disease, of the meds... I have been having joing pain in different area's for few yrs but just wrote it off as being out of shape due to wt gain after my dtr was born and physical job , standing long hours and alot of computer work. The dr wanted me to take Methotrexate but scared of side effects and I am only 38, wouldnt agree to not get pregnant anymore so was given Plaquenil. Do feel some better , stil have stiff fingers in am and slow to get moving. My stomach feels sooo distended and I am gasey bad from the med. Wandering if I should just give up the fight and start Methotrexate. I only have one child which was conceived thru IVF procedure so the thought of me getting preg are slim.. But the Methotrexate really scares me. any advice... |
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Kelly Smith
30 Dec 2009, 15:33
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| Hi.. I have been dealing with RA for about 10 years now every since the birth of my oldest son. I am 36 and have three deformities on my hands. I take embral every week and have just vitited a orthopedic to talk about options for surgery. He gave two fusion of the joints that would keep them from moving at all and it is permenant or joint replacement. I am worried and would like to hear from anyone who has had either surgeries. I am young and just want normal hands again but do not know which way to go? |
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Debra Willits
19 Dec 2009, 19:58
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| Hi. I've have Rheum. arthritis for about 5 years now. Long story short. My knees are in terrible shape due to the constant swelling. I didnt go on Embril for the two years when it first started. I had no insurance. I am on Embril now and knees are still bad and need them drained every two months or so. I had a arthoscopic synovectomy done on one knee, and wondering what the chances are that I will do better? Two drs. are giving me two different answers. I figure what do i have to lose... Thank you, Debra |
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barbara
30 Nov 2009, 13:00
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| I have osteo-pina...I am recently experiencing severe pain in my left thumb
area. I has swollen up and in pain. What can i do for this . thank you |
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Shirley
14 Aug 2009, 23:44
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| I have been dealing with RA since 1977 and have had over 30 joint surgeries in the last 12 years. At present I'm on Orencia, Medrol and Methotrexate to try and control the inflamation and pain. Since I've been on Orencia I've had no end of serious infections. At present I'm waiting to have another surgery but I'm concerned about the risk of another infection. Do others have this problem on Orencia? |
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Sue Ervin
14 Aug 2009, 09:09
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| I have had RA since March 1995. The treatment that has worked best for me is Methotrexate and Arava. I was on Enbrel for 12 months and developed a life threatening lung infection, so I am back on the Methotrexate and Arava. I have had a total hip replacement and synovectomy, tendon repair, and carpal tunnel on both wrists. My Orthopedist wants to replace both knees and 1 shoulder. I just don't want to do that much surgery untill I adsolutely have to. Money isn't the only issue, recovery takes alot of time and energy. Currently, I am doing very well and maybe only have to take pain medication 1 time a week, unless I have a flare or overdo things. |
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kenneth Pfluger
13 Aug 2009, 21:35
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| I've had RA for about 2 and a half years and for a year been on Orencia. I have no symptoms and experience no side effects. My insurance covers the $2000/month cost but I know that the pharmaceutical company does deals for those who can't afford it. My question for Sandra is why she doesn't take medication? It's certainly worth a try. |
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Jackie Carney
13 Aug 2009, 10:37
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| I have RA Nodules on my achilles tendon, my shoulder, my finger joints. Is there anything that can be done for the?. They are tender. |
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Sandra
13 Aug 2009, 09:40
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| I've had problems with my right shoulder for a few years now and last I went to a specialist they referred me to therapy. I can only do so many exercises and it just doesn't help. I have not been on any medication for RA or Fibromyalgia for 4 or 5 years and not sure if I want to start that up again. Can't Ijust request that I be given a shot on this shoulder for relief. My RA is throughout my body and it mostly affects my feet, ankles, knees, hips, elbows, shoulders etc. I notice that even my head hurts when I massage it. Should I go back on meds? |
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Diana
13 Aug 2009, 09:09
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| Hi, The middle toe on my right foot has become extremely crooked, lays sideways toward my little toe. If I have surgery to straighten it, will it only go crooked again? My wrists and feet have been most affected by RA, but only this one joint is deformed. Thanks, Diana |
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ruth koester
28 Jul 2009, 17:09
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| if you have the surgery on the hands can it help or will you not be able to lift up heavy objects? |
