Successful Staged Bilateral Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in a Patient with Long-standing Rheumatoid Arthritis with...

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that frequently results in serious joint deformities, reduced function, and systemic issues. Complicated deformities in major joints such as the hips and knees create considerable management difficulties, particularly when aggravated by osteoporosis and anemia.

We report a 39-year-old woman with a 15-year history of RA who has severe bilateral deformities in her hips and knees. She could not ambulate independently due to advanced joint destruction, chronic flexion contractures, and functional disability. Pre-operative imaging confirmed end-stage arthropathy, and laboratory workup showed severe anemia and osteoporosis. A multidisciplinary approach led to successful staged bilateral total hip and knee arthroplasty, including robotic-assisted left hip replacement. Post-operative recovery was uneventful, enabling the patient to ambulate independently and restore joint mobility pain-free.

This case demonstrates the success of a staged, multidisciplinary strategy for addressing intricate bilateral joint deformities resulting from RA. The use of robotic assistance along with thorough perioperative planning can enhance surgical precision and support functional recovery, even for high-risk patients.