Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgery
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgery?
Rheumatoid arthritis surgery is considered when joint inflammation cannot be controlled with medication, or when irreversible joint damage or tendon rupture occurs. The goal of surgery is to improve hand function, correct deformity, and/or relieve pain.
Deciding on surgery is a complex process that requires collaboration between you, an experienced hand surgeon, and a skilled hand therapist. Together, this team will assess your condition and recommend a tailored approach to meet your needs.
Specialised Care in East Kent
East Kent-based surgeons offer the expertise required for these advanced surgical treatments, ensuring the highest standard of care for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
What Are the Goals of Surgery?
The primary aim of rheumatoid arthritis surgery is to improve function of the affected joint, with secondary goals of correcting deformity and relieving pain. The specific procedure, or combination of procedures, will depend on your individual case and may include:
- Tendon Reconstruction or Transfer: Repairing or repositioning tendons to restore movement.
- Joint Replacement: Replacing damaged joints with artificial implants to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Joint Fusion: Permanently fusing a joint to stabilize it and alleviate pain.
Examples of Surgical Procedures
Below are examples of two common surgical procedures:
- Wrist Replacement: Replacing the wrist joint to improve range of motion and reduce pain.
- Thumb Interphalangeal Joint Replacement: Replacing the thumb joint to restore functionality and alleviate discomfort.