Arthroplasty Rates Are Increased Among US Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: 1991–2005

Abstract

From 1991 to 2005, arthroplasty rates increased in patients with SLE in similar proportions to overall joint replacement rates. The age of patients with SLE arthroplasty increased and fewer cases were due to osteonecrosis. These data suggest significant changes are occurring - patients with SLE are now living long enough to develop OA and are healthy enough to undergo elective surgery.