Our Summary

The study aimed to look at the recent trends in joint replacement surgery among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in South Korea, and also compared the rate of surgery for different joints. Data was taken from the country’s National Health Insurance database.

The researchers found that the number of people diagnosed with RA has been increasing yearly (from 0.13% in 2008 to 0.25% in 2016). Similarly, the number of RA patients undergoing joint replacement surgery has also risen (from 0.72% in 2010 to 4.03% in 2016). The knee was identified as the most commonly replaced joint.

Interestingly, the risk of having to replace another joint after the initial surgery was found to be highest for the shoulder joint. Moreover, the time taken from diagnosis to surgery was shortest for the elbow joint and longest for the shoulder joint.

In conclusion, there has been a rise in the number of RA patients and joint replacement surgeries in South Korea, with the knee being the most frequently replaced joint. The researchers suggest that in order to manage the disease effectively, doctors should consider evaluating larger joints (like the knee, elbow, ankle, and hip) from an early stage, even if patients do not show any symptoms.

FAQs

  1. What recent trends in joint replacement surgery among rheumatoid arthritis patients were studied in South Korea?
  2. Which joint was found to have the highest risk of replacement following initial surgery?
  3. What was the study’s suggestion for doctors in managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about shoulder replacement is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including doing recommended physical therapy exercises to help regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder. It is important to be patient during the recovery process and not rush back into normal activities too quickly to avoid any complications. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help improve overall joint health and potentially reduce the need for future joint replacements.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended shoulder replacement surgery are those with severe shoulder pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion that does not improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections. This may be due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or fractures. Patients who have difficulty performing daily activities or have significant functional impairment due to shoulder pain may also be candidates for shoulder replacement surgery. Additionally, patients who have not had success with previous shoulder surgeries or treatments may be recommended for shoulder replacement as a last resort.

Timeline

Before shoulder replacement:

  • Patient experiences chronic shoulder pain, stiffness, and weakness.
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy, cortisone injections, and other non-surgical treatments to manage symptoms.
  • If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, patient may be recommended for shoulder replacement surgery.

After shoulder replacement:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and consultations with the surgeon.
  • Shoulder replacement surgery is performed, where the damaged parts of the shoulder joint are replaced with artificial components.
  • Patient undergoes post-operative physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the shoulder.
  • Patient may experience temporary pain and discomfort, which gradually improves over time.
  • Patient gradually resumes daily activities and may experience improved shoulder function and decreased pain.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about shoulder replacement include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with shoulder replacement surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after shoulder replacement surgery, and what can I expect in terms of pain and mobility?
  3. Will I need physical therapy after the surgery, and if so, how long will it last?
  4. How long can I expect the shoulder replacement to last, and are there any factors that may affect its longevity?
  5. What limitations or restrictions will I have after the surgery, and are there any activities I should avoid?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  7. How experienced is the surgeon in performing shoulder replacement surgeries, and what is their success rate?
  8. Will I need to make any modifications to my lifestyle or home environment after the surgery?
  9. What are the alternatives to shoulder replacement surgery, and how do they compare in terms of effectiveness and recovery time?
  10. Are there any specific exercises or movements I should avoid after the surgery to prevent complications or damage to the new joint?

Reference

Authors: Yoon HK, Seok SO, Oh HC, Ha JW, Park S, Park SH. Journal: Clin Orthop Surg. 2023 Jun;15(3):395-401. doi: 10.4055/cios21274. Epub 2022 Nov 24. PMID: 37274496