790 - Fitting challenges for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers

Objectives: The aim of our work was to describe the functional outcome of subjects with RA and to determine
the limitations of the device.

Design: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease with a particular predilection for
causing pain, deformity and functional limitation .
Indeed deformity can be prevented by the use of an adapted appliance, especially if prescribed early
on, to preserve a certain degree of joint mobility.We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study during the period between September 2021 and
September 2023 including patients with RA consulting the physical medicine and rehabilitation
department for management of RA sequelae. We studied sociodemographic data, physical
examination data and the limitations devices.

Results: We enrolled 70 patients, 95% of whom were women. The mean age was 53±2 years. Half of our
patients were on methotrexate. The most frequently acquired equipment was wrist hand orthoses
(50%), followed by foot orthoses (32%) and orthopedic shoes (10%). Walking aids were prescribed for
2 patients. Four patients were confined to wheelchairs for advanced bilateral coxitis. The fitting was
limited by joint deformities that became irreducible, especially those affecting the wrist, hand and
fingers in 6 patients. Socio-economic conditions and geographical remoteness were a barrier to the
acquisition of devices in 10% of cases. Only 20% of patients were covered by the national health
insurance scheme. The average waiting time in public orthopedic fitting centers was 5 months.

Conclusions: RA is a disabling disease that limits a person's daily activities and independence. Non-
pharmacological treatment, in particular orthopaedic devices, aims to limit joint deformities,
especially if the patient is seen early on. It requires the participation of a multi-disciplinary team,
including medical and paramedical staff, as well as social authorities, to improve the quality of life of
these patients.