[Trends in orthopaedic surgery for patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

Significant advancement in pharmacological treatment including biological agents has gradually changed the role and content of surgical treatments for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The number of joint replacements in the large joints of lower limbs has decreased, while the number of surgeries in the small joints of hand and feet has increased. Favorable disease control by pharmacological treatment has changed the needs of patients for surgeries and expanded the options of operative procedures for surgeons. The changing needs of patients demanding the higher level of quality of life may seek a change in the surgical treatments.