Rheumatoid hand surgery: is there a decline? A 22-year population-based study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent inflammatory condition affecting approximately 0.8% of the population.
• RA commonly leads to significant hand and wrist damage, impacting function.
• Advancements in anti-rheumatic therapies may reduce the incidence of hand deformities in RA patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the trend in hand surgical procedures for RA patients over a 22-year period.
• To determine if this trend correlates with the introduction of novel anti-rheumatic therapies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, population-based study of RA patients undergoing hand surgery (1990-2012).
• Procedures included teno-synovectomy, wrist arthrodesis/arthroplasty, and finger arthrodesis.

Main Results:

• A total of 297 procedures were performed on 153 RA patients.
• A peak in procedures occurred in 2004, followed by a decline.
• This decline coincided with earlier and more intensive use of disease-modifying drugs and biological therapies.

Conclusions:

• A significant decrease in hand surgery procedures for RA patients was observed over 22 years.
• This trend indicates the success of medical treatments in preventing disease progression and functional decline.