While the study was conducted in Sweden, the authors believe similarities in treatment protocols make the results applicable in the U.S.
During the study period, 1998 to 2011, researchers recorded declines in several types of surgery:
Orthopedic surgery — declined from 94.6 per 1,000 patient-years (1998-2001) to 71.8 per 1,000 patient-years (2007-2011).
Hip surgery — Declined from 27.8 per 1,000 patient-years (1998-2001) to 17.6 per 1,000 patient years (2007-2011).
Small joint surgery — declined from 43.8 per 1,000 patient years (1998-2001) to 30.5 per 1,000 patient years (2007-2011).
The only surgery remaining consistent over the study period was knee surgery, which occurred at a rate of 12.3 per 1,000 patient-years at the beginning of the study and 12.9 per 1,000 patient years at the end of the study period.
According to the study authors, the decline may be a result of an increase in the use of early intensive biologic therapy patients with advanced RA.
