Total knee arthroplasty for rheumatoid arthritis: Knee function and biochemical index changes / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on the clinical efficacy of total knee arthroplasty in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis have been reported, but the effects of total knee arthroplasty on joint function and related biochemical parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are little reported. Thereafter, more clinical evidence is needed. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of total knee arthroplasty on joint function and related biochemical indicators in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Clinical data of 64 patients with 64 knees who underwent total knee arthroplasty were retrospectively analyzed. Comparative analysis of Hospital for Special Surgery, range of motion of the knee joint and quality of life scores before and 1 year after surgery was conducted. Changes of biochemical indicators such as C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were detected. The incidence of complications at 1 month after surgery was recorded. The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, and all patients signed the informed consents. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Compared with the baseline levels, the Hospital for Special Surgery score, range of motion of the knee joint and quality of life scores at 1 year after surgery was significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the levels of C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). (2) One patient developed infection and two patients developed deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity, which was relieved after symptomatic treatment. These results imply that total knee arthroplasty has a good clinical effect on rheumatoid arthritis, which can improve knee function and reduce the levels of C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and has good safety.