[Present possibilities and perspectives in rheumato-orthopedics]

After a brief introduction the author expands on specific problems in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and indications of rheumo-orthopaedic operations. He gives an account of the main objectives of these operations, i.e. prevention of deformities and correction of existing deformities, restoration or improvement of mobility and at least palliative influencing of pain. In the subsequent part the author discusses pre- and postoperative care. In the main part of the paper the author deals with his own rheumo-orthopaedic operations with emphasis on preventive and curative operations (synovectomies). As to reconstruction operations, he mentions resections in different anatomical areas, arthrodeses. He emphasizes in particular arthroplasties--from hemiarthroplasties to articular prostheses, so-called total endoprostheses. In the present paper the author analyzes in detail modern concepts, in particular in total endoprostheses of the hip joint, knee and minor joints of the hand.