Surgical Treatment of Sequelae of Rheumatic Diseases

Operative treatment of the sequelae of rheumatic diseases is an integral part of care of patients with this type of disease. Surgical interventions in patients with rheumatic diseases older than 60 years are specific not only due to specific course of the underlying disease but also due to increased incidence of comorbidities that have a considerable impact on the patients’ ability to undergo surgery and on the possibilities of the subsequent convalescence. The patients’ willingness to undergo surgery and their ability to cooperate within postoperative rehabilitation are influenced also by their physical condition and mental changes.