Sometimes a fusion is the best treatment if you have had RA and have significant deformity, pain, and dysfunction. For example, if you have a lot of pain and instability in your wrist, and there is joint deformity that is permanent, sometimes a fusion makes the bones stop deforming further and because they no longer sort of rub each other the wrong way, it can decrease pain significantly.
These days if you get timely treatment for RA you avoid much of the permanent deformity that used to be common place. But if you have severe RA that does not respond well to meds, you may end up with deformities in spite of your best efforts. The fusion is just one treatment for severe pain and dysfunction in a joint. It would be done on a very individual basis.
I hope that helps. If you have further questions, please let me know. Not only am I a nurse, but I have had RA for about 25 years. Thanks for writing.
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Hi Ang
Sometimes a fusion is the best treatment if you have had RA and have significant deformity, pain, and dysfunction. For example, if you have a lot of pain and instability in your wrist, and there is joint deformity that is permanent, sometimes a fusion makes the bones stop deforming further and because they no longer sort of rub each other the wrong way, it can decrease pain significantly.
These days if you get timely treatment for RA you avoid much of the permanent deformity that used to be common place. But if you have severe RA that does not respond well to meds, you may end up with deformities in spite of your best efforts. The fusion is just one treatment for severe pain and dysfunction in a joint. It would be done on a very individual basis.
I hope that helps. If you have further questions, please let me know. Not only am I a nurse, but I have had RA for about 25 years. Thanks for writing.
October 8, 2010 - 6:37amThis Comment
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