Table 1 Systemic preoperative assessment of the rheumatoid patient

Disease onset

Complete medical

Full blood count

Pattern and sequence

Joint inflammation

Urea & creatinine

Presences and persistent joint swelling

Joint damage and range of motion

Electrolytes

Pain (site, severity, duration)

Soft tissue integrity

Liver function tests

Morning stiffness

Extra-articular features

Chest radiograph

Functional limitations

Grip strength

Cervical spine radiograph

Non-articular features

General health

Electrocardiogram

Psychological features

Dental inspection

Urine dipstick +/− culture

Systemic features

Neurological assessment

Pulmonary function tests

Review of all systems

Echocardiogram (limiting cardiac pathology)

Prior anaesthetic and surgery

Drugs and allergies

Airway assessment