Results of surgical treatment of nonambulatory rheumatoid patients.

Total joint replacements were performed in 37 nonambulatory rheumatoid patients. Postoperatively, 35 patients regained the ability to walk. Our accumulated clinical experience indicates that such operations should be performed only when at least all of the following criteria are satisfied: 1) strong motivation for restoration of walking ability; 2) good relationship between physician and patient; 3) absence of severe systemic complications, and 4) the rheumatoid arthritis can be controlled by medication.