How effective is joint fusion surgery for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis can inflame the joint lining and weaken bone, ligaments, and tendons. Fusion removes movement from a damaged joint and holds it in a useful position while the bones heal together. That can make a painful or unstable joint more dependable, but active inflammation, poor bone quality, deformity, and problems in neighbouring joints can affect healing and hand or foot function.

The operation is a local solution. Disease-modifying treatment and coordinated rheumatology care remain relevant because inflammation can continue in other joints or around the surgical area.

Have the surgeon and rheumatology team review disease activity, medicines, skin condition, nutrition, bone health, and infection risk before scheduling surgery. Do not stop rheumatoid medicines without a plan from the treating team. Afterward, use the prescribed splint, boot, or dressing and follow loading limits carefully. Therapy can protect the fusion while maintaining safe movement in joints that were not operated on.

Report fever, wound drainage, spreading redness, rapidly increasing swelling, or pain that is not controlled by the agreed plan. New numbness, weakness, or a finger or toe that becomes cold or changes colour needs prompt assessment. Sudden breathlessness or chest pain is an emergency. Arrange review for persistent pain, a change in alignment, or loss of function, because rheumatoid inflammation and delayed healing may need specific treatment.

Is my rheumatoid disease controlled enough for surgery? How should my medicines be managed around the operation? Which movement will be lost, and what function should remain? How will you monitor bone healing and inflammation?