Rheumatoid Arthritis (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Questions to Ask the Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Therapy
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Pictures of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Slideshow
- Viewer Comments: Rheumatoid Arthritis - Early Symptoms
Surgery
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis need several operations over time. Examples include removal of damaged synovium (synovectomy), tendon repairs, and replacement of badly damaged joints, especially the knees or hips.
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis have involvement of the vertebrae of the neck (cervical spine). This has the potential for compressing the spinal cord and causing serious consequences in the nervous system. These people occasionally need to undergo surgical fusion of the spine.
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Viewer Comments & Reviews
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Early Symptoms
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
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Rheumatoid Arthritis »
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of unknown cause that primarily affects the peripheral joints in a symmetric pattern.
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