Reactive arthritis surgery

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Akshun Kalia M.B.B.S.[2]

Overview

Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of reactive arthritis. However, young adults who develop a chronic course may benefit from arthroscopic synovectomy. Patients with severe reactive arthritis with involvement of heart and vitreous chamber may require valve replacement surgery and vitrectomy respectively.

Surgery

Surgical intervention is not recommended for the management of reactive arthritis. However, young adults who develop a chronic course may benefit from certain surgical procedures:^[1]

Arthroscopic synovectomy helps in early release of soft tissue which may prevent the long term complications of arthritis such as contractures and severe impairment.
Patients with heart involvement and transient conduction abnormalities may require valve replacement surgery.
Additionally, patients with chronic eye inflammation may have chronic iridocyclitis leading to vitreous opacification. In these patients, vitrectomy may be necessary to prevent visual decline.

References

↑ WEINBERGER HW, ROPES MW, KULKA JP, BAUER W (February 1962). “Reiter’s syndrome, clinical and pathologic observations. A long term study of 16 cases”. Medicine (Baltimore). 41: 35–91. PMID 14038032.

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[pmid14038032-1] WEINBERGER HW, ROPES MW, KULKA JP, BAUER W (February 1962). “Reiter’s syndrome, clinical and pathologic observations. A long term study of 16 cases”. Medicine (Baltimore). 41: 35–91. PMID 14038032.

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