“When is surgery for rheumatoid arthritis recommended?”

Question

Hand Surgeon Questions Rheumatoid Arthritis

“When is surgery for rheumatoid arthritis recommended?”

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few years ago and I noticed that the joints in my fingers are starting to look deformed. Would I eventually need surgery?

6 Answers

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**Dr. Jeffrey C. Wint** Hand Surgeon Springfield, MA · Accepted Answer

Dr. Jeffrey C. Wint Hand Surgeon Springfield, MA

This is a complex question as many rheumatoid arthritis patients who are taking medication no longer progressed to the point where they need to have surgery. However, definitive things are tendon, ruptures, severe pain, accompanying deformity, and dysfunction. It’s best to speak to Hand Surgeon specifically about what’s bothering you

**Dr. Jon Norberg** Hand Surgeon | Hand Surgery Maple Grove, MN, MN · Accepted Answer

Dr. Jon Norberg Hand Surgeon | Hand Surgery Maple Grove, MN, MN

For people with rheumatoid arthritis, it is imperative that they work closely with their rheumatologist to maximize the medical management of their disease and opt for surgery only if those treatments fail.

**Carolyn Yang** Hand Surgeon | Hand Surgery Portland, OR · Accepted Answer

Carolyn Yang Hand Surgeon | Hand Surgery Portland, OR

Maybe. There are also medications that may slow down the progression of the deformity. Are you seeing rheumatologist?

**Dr. Mark J. Mohrmann** Hand Surgeon New York, NY · Accepted Answer

Dr. Mark J. Mohrmann Hand Surgeon New York, NY

It is important to always seek a medical evaluation by a licensed professional to ensure it is not the manifestation of something more serious. You also want to seek help sooner rather than later to prevent any further damage to the area.

**Dr. Harrison B. Solomon** Hand Surgeon Chevy Chase, MD · Accepted Answer

Dr. Harrison B. Solomon Hand Surgeon Chevy Chase, MD

Maybe or maybe not. It really depends on so many factors. That question could only be answered by a qualified hand surgeon who has seen you and your X-rays and done a full evaluation.

Harrison Solomon, M.D.

**Dr. Richard Stephen Gilbert** Hand Surgeon Great Neck, NY · Accepted Answer

Dr. Richard Stephen Gilbert Hand Surgeon Great Neck, NY

The answer is possibly yes, possibly no. The only way to know is to see a hand surgeon. With the newer, more effective medications for rheumatoid arthritis, fewer patients require surgery on their hands than they did in the past. However, if you have a significant joint deformity or inflammation, then it is possible that you may need surgery.