[Surgical treatment of patients with rheumatoid diseases]

The selection of surgery methods in the treatment of rheumatism, and the success one can expect, depends on the stage of the disease and the location of the affected joint(s). A distinction is made between preventive methods (synovectomy, tenosynovectomy, tenotomy, relocation or lengthening of tendons, capsulotomy) and reconstructive/corrective operations (corrective osteotomy, arthrodesis, plastic arthrectomy, alloarthroplasty). The author also points to the limits of operative therapy, especially as regards social rehabilitation. The accent in rheumatism orthopedics should gradually shift toward early preventive operation.