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Decrease of RA-related orthopaedic surgery of the upper limbs between 1998 and 2004: data from 54,579 Swedish RA
R J Weiss1, A Ehlin, S M Montgomery
1Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Section of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Karolinska Institutet/Karolinska University Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. rudiger.weiss@karolinska.se
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|February 26, 2008
Summary
Orthopaedic upper limb surgery for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Sweden decreased by 31% between 1998 and 2004. While overall RA surgeries declined, hand total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) significantly increased.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Rheumatology
- Public health trends
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) frequently affects the upper limbs, necessitating surgical interventions.
- Understanding temporal trends in RA-related orthopaedic surgery is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the utilization and trends of orthopaedic upper limb surgery in RA patients nationwide in Sweden.
- To examine changes in surgical procedures for the hand, elbow, and shoulder between 1998 and 2004.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Swedish National Hospital Discharge Registry (SNHDR) for inpatient visits.
- Included patients over 18 years old with RA-related diagnoses from 1998 to 2004.
- Analyzed surgical procedures focusing on the hand, elbow, and shoulder.
Main Results:
- A total of 54,579 RA patients were admitted, with 9% undergoing upper limb surgery (8,251 procedures).
- Hand surgery was most common (77%), followed by shoulder (13%) and elbow (10%).
- Overall RA-related upper limb surgery decreased by 31% (P=0.001), while hand total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) significantly increased (P=0.009).
Conclusions:
- RA-related upper limb surgery rates declined in Sweden from 1998-2004.
- Total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) remained stable overall, with a notable increase in hand TJAs.
- These trends may indicate shifts in RA management and patient outcomes.