Perioperative management of the rheumatoid patient

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that can affect multiple organ systems of the body. It is a symmetrical polyarthropathy which leads to destruction of cartilage and bone. Before undertaking surgery on the rheumatoid patient, several issues need to be addressed. A thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team is essential to decrease any operative risks involved. This is a review of some of the systemic manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis with an emphasis on anesthesiology, and radiological consultation, and perioperative surgical management of rheumatoid drug therapy.