Patients with rheumatoid diseases present complex management issues in the perioperative period because of the pathophysiologic consequences of these diseases and other comorbidities. The anesthesia team is being increasingly required to determine the suitability of patients for operative procedures. Extremes of age, surgical complexity, and coexisting illness place surgeons in the position of seeking “medical clearance” from the anesthesia team for an increasing number of patients, emergent and elective. A systematic approach to optimizing these patients would appear rational.

Anesthesia teams face complex challenges in determining suitability for orthopedic surgery in patients with rheumatoid diseases due to age, surgical complexity, and coexisting illness.

Anesthetic Issues for Orthopedic Surgery in Patients with Rheumatoid Diseases

Key Takeaway: Anesthesia teams face complex challenges in determining suitability for orthopedic surgery in patients with rheumatoid diseases due to age, surgical complexity, and coexisting illness.