2011 Decrease in the incidence of total hip arthroplasties in patients with rheumatoid arthritis Open Access

Description: Introduction One aim of modern pharmacologic treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is to prevent joint destruction and reduce the need for surgery. Our purpose was to investigate secular trends in the incidence of primary total hip and knee arthroplasties in a well defined sample of patients with RA.
Conclusions Our investigation shows a significant decrease in the incidence of total hip arthroplasties in patients with RA after 2001. Possible explanations include a positive effect on joint damage from more aggressive pharmacological treatment.
Decrease in the incidence of total hip arthroplasties in patients with rheumatoid arthritis - results from a well defined population in south Sweden Hekmat K, Jacobsson L, Nilsson JA, Petersson IF, Robertsson O, Garellick G, Turesson C Arthritis Research & Therapy 2011, 13:R67 (full text)