The rheumatoid patient in need of a wheelchair.

The situation of 40 severely disabled arthritic patients who have received a wheelchair is reported. Most of the patients had had their rheumatoid arthritis for more than 15 years. Knee involvement was frequently the reason for needing a wheelchair. Most of the patients had general joint involvement. Orthopedic- or handsurgery as well as proper technical aids and a well adapted housing facilitated the maintenance of functional capacity. Wheelchairs with big wheels back, seat higher than normal, raisable and removable leg rests, neck-support and elongated brake handle will satisfy most patients. In our series most complaint was reported regarding back support and front wheels. The majority of the patients had an optimistic attitude to their situation. Eighteen of the 40 patients regretted not having accepted a wheelchair earlier.