Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgical Society RASS

Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgical Society RASS


About Us

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgical Society was founded in 1973 in the fi rm belief of its founding members that the surgical care of rheumatoid patients was a true sub-specialty of Orthopaedic Surgery.

This indeed has been the prevailing philosophy that has dominated the formation and development of centres of excellence in this field in both Europe and the USA.The surgical problems which rheumatoid patients present are created by a systemic illness, so that the surgeon’s contribution to patient care must be undertaken in conjunction with a rheumatologist.

Moreover, a multi-disciplinary team approach is essential.

The programmes of surgery are often extensive, either during single admissions or at several admissions occurring intermittently over many years. The therapeutic team must learn to think longitudinally both in time and with regard to the chain reaction which a specifi c joint problem, or indeed some of the surgery, may initiate in other joints in the ipsi or contralateral limb.

Prolonged aftercare, perhaps for the rest of the patient’s life, and an open door policy allowing patients ready access for advice and help from the Specialist Centre, are fundamental to good rheumatoid care.