Rheumatoid arthritis evaluated by locomotion score. A population study.

The effects of rheumatoid arthritis on locomotion status were assessed in an epidemiologically representative Swedish population sample. In a steady community of 12,707 inhabitants, 82 patients were found fulfilling ARA criteria 5-8 (Rome 1961). Prevalence was 0.51% for men, 0.78 for women and 0.65 in the overall population (unpublished observation). The ratio women:men was 1:0.67. Mean age was 65 (30-92) years, age at onset 47 (7-91) and disease duration 19 (1-65) years. All patients were evaluated clinically with total locomotion score (best = 100, worst = 0). This was 72 (24-96) overall; 76 (24-96) for men and 68 (30-94) for women. Among the ages above 64, women had significantly (p less than 0.02) lower scores than men. Mean subjective score (max. 100) was 62 (4-93) overall; 67 (5-93) for men and 58 (9-92) for women, and objective score (max. 100) 82 (23-100); 85 (44-99) for men and 78 (23-100) for women. Over the years, a total of 108 reconstructive operations had been performed on 36 out of the 82 patients (44%). Indication for further reconstructive surgery was found in as many as 56% of the patients, including 58 major joint replacements. Scores for patients in need of operation were significantly lower than those for those who were considered not to need an operation.