RESTORATION OF KNEE JOINT FUNCTION IN CHRONIC RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS* BY

The restoration of function to the severely deformed knee has always presented one of the most difficult problems to be encountered in the manage-ment of patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis. In the past, the chances of satisfactory functional rehabilitation were so questionable that it became customary to fuse these joints rather than to attempt to restore motion. However, now that cortisone and ACTH are available for use before and after opera-tion, the outlook is more favourable. Irrespective of the place which these hormones finally assume in the therapy for the control of rheumatoid arthritis, there is no question but that they have supplied the surgeon with an important tool. Clinical studies indicate that it is now feasible to perform an opera