Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis: Comparison of Demographics and Trends of Joint Replacement Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

Current literature regarding complications following total joint arthroplasty have primarily focused on patients with osteoarthritis (OA), with less emphasis on the trends and in-hospital outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients undergoing these procedures. The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcomes and trends of RA patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared to OA patients. Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2006 to 2011 was extracted using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes for patients that received a TKA or THA. Outcome measures included cardiovascular complications, cerebrovascular complications, pulmonary complications, wound dehiscence, and infection. Inpatient and hospital demographics including primary diagnosis, age, gender, primary payer, hospital teaching status, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, hospital bed size, location, and median household income were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis of OA vs RA patients with patient outcomes revealed that osteoarthritic THA candidates had lower risk for cardiovascular complications, pulmonary complications, wound dehiscence, infections, and systemic complications, compared to rheumatoid patients. There was a significantly elevated risk of cerebrovascular complication in osteoarthritic THA compared to RA THA. OA patients undergoing TKA had significantly higher risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications. There were significant decreases in mechanical wounds, infection, and systemic complications in the OA TKA patients. RA patients are at higher risk for postoperative infection, wound dehiscence, and systemic complications after TKA and THA compared to OA patients. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative medical clearance and management to optimize RA patients and improve the postoperative outcomes.

Perioperative Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease mediated by a widespread, chronic, and systematic inflammatory process that causes joint deterioration, which leads to pain, disability, and poor quality of life. The increased use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has been shown to markedly slow disease progression, which has translated into a decrease in the need for orthopaedic intervention in this population. However, in a substantial percentage of patients with the disease, optimal pharmacologic treatment fails and surgical intervention is required. A thorough understanding of medical considerations in these patients and improved knowledge of the medical complications caused by the disease process and the pharmacologic therapy used to treat it may lead to improved preoperative planning and medical clearance, which may ultimately improve the overall postoperative outcome.

Perioperative Treatment of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease mediated by a widespread chronic systematic inflammatory process that causes joint deterioration, which leads to pain, disability, and poor quality of life. The increased use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has been shown to markedly slow disease progression, which has translated into a decrease in the need for orthopaedic intervention in this population. However, a substantial percentage of patients with the disease fail optimal pharmacologic treatment and still require surgical intervention. A thorough understanding of medical considerations in these patients and improved knowledge of the medical complications caused by the disease process and the pharmacologic therapy used to treat it may lead to improved preoperative planning and medical clearance, which may ultimately improve the overall postoperative outcome.

Renal and Gastrointestinal Considerations in Joint Replacement Surgery.

Renal and gastrointestinal diseases affect a significant portion of the general population. The process of decision making regarding surgical clearance and pre-operative management of the various complexities and medical conditions associated with these diseases hence becomes crucial. To optimize postoperative outcomes, the considerations for the care of this patient population revolve around effective management of hemostasis and electrolyte status. This subset of conditions is uniquely important with regard to the negative impact of improper administration of medications and perioperative care on patients' prognoses. A thorough understanding and knowledge of standards of care and treatment guidelines for patients with renal dysfunction and gastrointestinal disease assures comprehensive preoperative planning and surgical clearance. This may ultimately lead to improvement of surgical outcomes and potential decrease in postoperative morbidity and mortality.