Researchers from Friedrich-Alexander University, Department of Orthopedic Surgery describe findings in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
2007 OCT 15 -- Data detailed in 'Synovectomy of the hip in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis' have been presented. "There is a lack of data on the functional effect of open hip synovectomy in a large number of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis evaluated with a validated assessment tool. Between 1985 and 1997, sixty-seven open hip-joint synovectomies were carried out in fifty-six patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis," scientists writing in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery report. "Fifty-five hips (82%) had radiographic changes that were stage III or higher according to the system of Larsen et al. Hip function was evaluated preoperatively and after a mean of fifty months with the Merle d'Aubigné hip score. Sixty-five (97%) of the sixty-seven hips were available for follow-up. The mean total Merle d'Aubigné hip score (and standard error of the mean) was significantly improved from 9.5 ±2.5 points at baseline to 16.3 ±1.0 points at the time of follow-up (p <0.001). The individual scores for pain, mobility, and walking ability were significantly increased as well (all p<0.001). Eighty-five percent of the hips were observed to have a very great or great improvement in function. A concomitant soft-tissue release was performed in seven hips, and nine hips required surgical dislocation. Surgical complications included two superficial wound hematomas that did not require intervention; osteonecrosis of the femoral head was not observed. Five hips required total hip arthroplasty during the follow-up period. Thus, the survival rate for the hips was 94% at a mean of four years following the synovectomy," wrote H.D. Carl and colleagues, Friedrich-Alexander University, Department of Orthopedic Surgery. The researchers concluded: "Open hip synovectomy in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a safe procedure that can improve hip-joint function for up to five years." Carl and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Synovectomy of the hip in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 2007;89(9):1986-92). Additional information can be obtained by contacting H.D. Carl, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Rathsberger Strasse 57, D-91054 Erlangen, Germany. The publisher of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery can be contacted at: Journal Bone Joint Surgery Inc., 20 Pickering St., Needham, MA 02192, USA. Keywords: Germany, Erlangen, Autoimmune Disease, Bone, Immunology, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Surgery, Synovectomy. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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