Orthopedic Surgeons and Rheumatology

Therapies for Rheumatic Disorders

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The physiotherapist’s (PT) role in the management of patients with Rheumatic disease is to work in partnership with the patient to enable them to achieve and maintain optimal function and independence. For many patients this will involve taking an active role in family, work and social lives. The physical therapist can help patients manage arthritis pain, promote mobility and day-to-day function, and stay active and independent in home, work, community and leisure settings. Arthroplasty or total joint reconstruction is an orthopedic surgical procedure where the articular surface of a musculoskeletal joint is replaced, remodelled, or realigned by osteotomy or some other procedure. It is an elective procedure that is done to relieve pain and restore function to the joint after damage by arthritis or some other type of trauma. A variety of drugs - ranging from over-the-counter pain relievers to prescription steroids - are helpful in managing the pain and swelling associated with some rheumatic diseases. Treatments vary from person to person and change as the disease progresses. In the last decade, there have been significant advances in treating rheumatoid arthritis, especially for patients whose arthritis does not respond to traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The most important advance has been the development of a group of drugs called biologic response modifiers or biologics. There are a number of biologics approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Biologics are genetically-engineered proteins derived from human genes. They are designed to inhibit specific components of the immune system that play pivotal roles in fueling inflammation, which is a central feature of rheumatoid arthritis.

Joint and knee replacement treatment, immune therapy and chemo therapy for arthritis along with the physiotherapeutic treatments, instruments and advances will also be discussed under this track.