Surreal illustration of glowing joints amidst a stormy landscape, symbolizing psoriatic arthritis and hope for proactive care.

Joint Replacement on the Rise: What It Means for Psoriatic Arthritis Patients

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals increasing rates of arthroplasty in PsA patients, highlighting the need for proactive joint health management."

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting both the joints and skin. Characterized by progressive arthritis, skin lesions, and tendinopathy, PsA can significantly impair mobility and quality of life. While disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) offer relief, some individuals experience inadequate responses or intolerable side effects, leading to severe joint damage and the need for surgical intervention.

Arthroplasty, or joint replacement surgery, becomes a viable option when conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain and restore function. While the impact of PsA on arthroplasty rates remains understudied compared to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), understanding these trends is crucial for effective healthcare planning and improved patient outcomes. New research sheds light on this area, revealing a concerning increase in joint replacement surgeries among PsA patients.

A recent study published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research investigated the trends in primary total arthroplasty rates among individuals with PsA in the United Kingdom between 1995 and 2010. By analyzing data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN), a large medical records database, researchers uncovered significant insights into the evolving landscape of joint health for PsA patients.

The Alarming Rise in Joint Replacement: What's Driving the Trend?

Surreal illustration of glowing joints amidst a stormy landscape, symbolizing psoriatic arthritis and hope for proactive care.

The study revealed a concerning trend: both individuals with PsA and the general population experienced an increase in first-time arthroplasty procedures between 1995 and 2010. However, the rise was significantly more pronounced in the PsA group. This suggests that factors specific to PsA may be contributing to the increased need for joint replacement.

Here are the key findings:

Overall Increase: Arthroplasty rates rose in both PsA patients and the general population from 1995 to 2010.
Disproportionate Impact: The incidence of first-time arthroplasty was twice as high in PsA patients compared to the general population.
Biologic Era: The increased rates persisted even after the introduction of biologic therapies in 2003, suggesting that these advanced treatments, while effective, do not eliminate the need for surgery in all cases.

The researchers identified several potential factors driving this trend:

Protecting Your Joints: A Call to Action for PsA Patients

The increasing rates of arthroplasty among PsA patients underscore the importance of proactive joint health management. While biologic therapies and other advanced treatments offer hope, they are not a guaranteed solution for preventing joint damage and the need for surgery.

Here's what you can do to protect your joints and minimize your risk of needing joint replacement:

This research serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with psoriatic arthritis. By staying informed, working closely with your healthcare team, and adopting a proactive approach to joint health, you can empower yourself to live a fuller, more active life, and potentially reduce your risk of needing joint replacement surgery.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/acr.23793, Alternate LINK

Title: Increasing Rates Of Arthroplasty For Psoriatic Arthritis In The United Kingdom Between 1995 And 2010

Subject: Rheumatology

Journal: Arthritis Care & Research

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Ryan T. Lewinson, Isabelle A. Vallerand, Jeremy M. Lamothe, Laurie M. Parsons, Alexandra D. Frolkis, Mark W. Lowerison, Scott B. Patten, Cheryl Barnabe

Published: 2019-10-16

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), and how does it differ from other types of arthritis?

Psoriatic Arthritis, or PsA, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects both the joints and the skin. It's characterized by progressive arthritis, skin lesions, and tendinopathy, significantly impacting mobility and overall quality of life. While Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, or DMARDs, can provide relief, some individuals don't respond well or experience intolerable side effects, leading to severe joint damage and the potential need for surgical intervention. It's important to understand that PsA differs significantly from other forms of arthritis, like Rheumatoid Arthritis, in its presentation and management, requiring a tailored approach to treatment.

When is Arthroplasty recommended for individuals with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)?

Arthroplasty, also known as joint replacement surgery, is considered when conservative treatments fail to alleviate pain and restore joint function in individuals with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). It involves surgically replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one, aiming to reduce pain and improve mobility. The decision to undergo arthroplasty is typically made after careful consideration of the patient's overall health, the severity of joint damage, and the failure of other treatment options such as Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs).

What did the study in Arthritis Care & Research reveal about arthroplasty rates in people with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)?

A study published in *Arthritis Care & Research* analyzing data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) in the UK between 1995 and 2010 revealed a concerning trend: Arthroplasty rates increased in both the general population and those with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). However, the rise was disproportionately higher in the PsA group, indicating specific factors related to PsA may contribute to the increased need for joint replacement. This suggests that while treatments like Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) exist, they don't always prevent joint damage in PsA patients.

What does it mean that arthroplasty rates are higher in PsA patients even after the introduction of biologic therapies?

The research indicated that the incidence of first-time arthroplasty was twice as high in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) patients compared to the general population. This means that individuals with PsA are significantly more likely to require joint replacement surgery. Furthermore, the increased rates of arthroplasty persisted even after the introduction of biologic therapies in 2003. This suggests that while biologics offer substantial benefits, they do not eliminate the need for surgery in all cases of PsA, highlighting the importance of proactive joint health management.

What is the main takeaway regarding joint health management for people living with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)?

The study underscores the critical importance of proactive joint health management for individuals with Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). While biologic therapies and other advanced treatments, such as Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) provide hope, they aren't guaranteed solutions for preventing joint damage and the need for arthroplasty. Early diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and a comprehensive treatment approach are essential to protect joint health and potentially reduce the risk of needing joint replacement surgery. This approach should be tailored to each individual's specific needs and disease progression.