Total knee arthroplasty in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. a seven-year follow-up study
Carmichael, E.; Chaplin, D.M.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 210: 192-200
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-921X PMID: 3757362 Document Number: 280712
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for preservation of ambulation is indicated in young adults with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The bony deformities of JRA require special measures to adequately seat the prosthesis. Thirteen patients with 25 knee arthroplasties were followed an average of 61 months. Prior surgical operations did not affect the outcome of this procedure. A 55% reduction in pain plus an average 30-point gain on Jergesen's functional assessment scale reflected the overall improvement attributable to TKA. To date, no revisions, infections, or loosenings have occurred in this series of patients.