PERIOPERATIVE MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

Patients who suffer from chronic rheumatologic diseases, such as rheum atoid arthritis, frequently require orthopedic surgical intervention d uring the course of their illness. This article provides the reader wi th an overview of approaches to postoperative risk stratification. Rev iewed are the basic concepts that underlie perioperative medical manag ement, including such issues as the preoperative medical assessment, t he currently employed anesthetic techniques, and approaches to postope rative analgesia. The impact of comorbid conditions on surgical outcom e is discussed as are specific clinical problems that have particular relevance to the patient with rheumatoid arthritis.