[Is the activity of rheumatoid arthritis affected by repeated surgical operations?(author's transl)]

37 R.A. patients who had been operated on several times (synovectomy and reconstructive surgery) were re-examined within 1 to 6 years after operation. Pain and function were improved in 2/3 of the patients, morning stiffness, ESR, and medicine consumption decreased in 2/3. The lower cortisone requirement in 28 patients (75%) was particularly impressive. 25 patients (67%) became cortisone-free. The joint index was reduced in 30 patients (81%). The impression exists that the rheumatic process can be influenced surgically for a long time.