Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is an autoimmune disease and one of the common types of a group of conditions called ‘Inflammatory Arthropathies’. The synovial membrane may become inflamed and lead to joint destruction over time. Typically other joints of the body may involved, and other organ systems may be affected. Patients may present at a younger age with this disease. Special blood tests may be required to diagnose inflammatory joint disease, and Orthopaedic Surgeons often work closely with Rheumatologists (Medical Joint Specialists) who may prescribe special drugs (DMARD’s) to control the diease before surgery.