TOTAL REHABILITATION OF THE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIC CRIPPLE

Journal/Book: J.A.M.A. Aug. 13 1955 Vol. 158 No. 15. 1955;

Abstract: Edward W. Lowman M.D. Philip R. Lee M.D. and Howard A. Rusk M.D. New York From the departments of physical medicine and rehabilitation New York University-Bellevue Medical Center and the Goldwater Memorial Hospital. This study was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases U. S. Public Health Service. The cortisone and hydrocortisone used in this study were supplied by Merck & Company Inc. Rahway N. J. The phenylbutazone used in this study was supplied under the trade name of Butazolidin by Geigy Pharmaceuticals Division of Geigy Company Inc. New York. SUMMARY A total of 38 patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis hospitalized in the past two years were treated with a combination of medical and rehabilitation programs; 18 of these patients were severely disabled cripples and 20 were less severely crippled. The average age of the severely disabled (derelict) group was 46 years with a disease duration of 13 years. In the less severely disabled group the average age was 40 years with a disease duration of seven years. Of the 18 severely disabled persons 14 have been discharged from the hospital. Seven of these are totally self-sufficient and one has been placed in a job. The other seven have been discharged partially self-sufficient with an average increase of 26% in functional capacity. Four patients of the group remain custodial hospital patients but among these there has been a 20% increase in function. Of the 20 less severely disabled persons all have been discharged from the hospital. Fifteen are totally self-sufficient and the remaining are partially so with an average increase of 29 % in function. Seven of these 20 patients have been placed in full-time jobs. With the concerted teamwork attack used in this study it would seem that the patient with chronic rheumatoid arthritis does not have an insoluble problem and that many such people could be salvaged from their invalidism and brought back to the dignity of living. The patients engaged in this study are now being followed for an additional three year period to verify the validity of this inference. ___MH

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