[Endoprosthetic procedures in rheumatoid patients]

Rheumatoid diseases are generalized chronic inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Although the different structures and different joints are affected, all cause a very uniform type of pathology and joint destruction. The main indication for implantation of the endoprosthesis are severe pain and walking disability with poor quality of life. On the X-ray involvement includes periarticular osteopenia, cystic changes, and destruction's affected joints. Endoprosthetic replacement has been successful in the treatment of severe rheumatoid disease of almost all joints of all ages, but predominantly replacement of the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and MCP joints. Arthroplasty has proved to be an excellent addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for the rehabilitation of handicapped patients with rheumatoid disease. Advancements in endoprosthetic technology and surgical techniques, allow us to perform alloarthroplasty in most of the patients with severe rheumatoid disease of all different joints.