Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Patient With Isolated Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Knee

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by synovial inflammation, progressive bone and cartilage erosion, and eventual joint destruction. We present the case of a 59-year-old female with long-standing RA who was referred by her rheumatologist after developing advanced arthritis of the right knee. Despite appropriate medical management, including etanercept and methotrexate, the patient continued to experience significant pain and limited range of motion in the right knee. She subsequently underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA), resulting in substantial improvement in both pain and mobility. Notably, this case is characterized by the isolated involvement of the right knee, despite the patient's long-term adherence to her medication regimen. On physical examination, the patient did not demonstrate any reduction in the range of motion or deformity in other joints. This case highlights the importance of routine monitoring, imaging, and early intervention in patients with autoimmune inflammatory arthropathies, as well as the need for further research on surgical approaches for RA of the knee.