Total hip replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

In this prospective study, 50 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis had total hip replacement. Preoperatively and at regular intervals postoperatively, all patients had evaluation of pain, ambulation, and range of motion according to the scale of d'Aubigne and Postel. Follow-up ranged from three to seven years, with the average being longer than four years. All patients demonstrated significant improvement in these parameters. Specific problems of the rheumatoid patient are discussed in detail.