Perioperative medical considerations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Patients who suffer from chronic rheumatologic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, frequently require orthopedic surgical intervention during the course of their illness. This article provides the reader with an overview of approaches to postoperative risk stratification. Reviewed are the basic concepts that underlie perioperative medical management, including such issues as the preoperative medical assessment, the currently employed anesthetic techniques, and approaches to postoperative analgesia. The impact of comorbid conditions on surgical outcome is discussed as are specific clinical problems that have particular relevance to the patient with rheumatoid arthritis.