Biologic Therapy Is Associated with Faster Bone Union After the Sauvé–Kapandji Procedure in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
摘要
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic inflammation and impaired bone quantity and quality, which may delay postoperative bone healing. The Sauvé–Kapandji (SK) procedure is a common surgical strategy for distal radioulnar joint disorders, but the association between RA medications—particularly biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/ts DMARDs)—and bone union after SK is unclear. This study aimed to identify patient- and treatment-related factors associated with bone union time, with a special focus on biologic therapy.
MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients with RA who underwent SK. Bone union was assessed using serial wrist radiographs, and union timing was independently evaluated by multiple orthopedic specialists in a blinded manner. Patient characteristics—including demographics, disease activity, medication use, bone mineral density, and biomarkers—were analyzed. Correlations with bone union duration were examined using Pearson’s test; intergroup comparisons used t tests, Fisher’s exact test, or Wilcoxon tests. Multiple regression identified independent predictors of union time.
ResultsAll patients achieved bone union. Higher matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels and methotrexate (MTX) dose were associated with prolonged healing, whereas biologic agents, specifically tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, were associated with significantly shorter union time. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use was also linked to delayed healing. Multivariate analysis confirmed that MTX dose, biologic use, and NSAIDs use were independently associated with bone union duration.
ConclusionsBiologic therapy was independently associated with faster bone union after SK, whereas higher MTX dosage and NSAIDs use were linked to delayed healing. In current clinical practice, biologic agents are often withheld during the perioperative period because of concerns regarding wound healing; however, our findings suggest that, from the standpoint of bone union, biologic therapy may have a favorable effect. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and clarify the optimal perioperative management of b/ts DMARDs in this setting.