The Rheumatic Diseases: A Primer

The rheumatic diseases are an important category of chronic illness. Affecting many millions of Americans, these conditions are a leading cause of disability and contribute significantly to premature mortality in those afflicted. Given their prevalence, the rheumatic diseases contribute disproportionately to the population of patients who will require orthopedic surgery. This chapter presents a broad overview of these conditions and their underlying pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.