Rheumatoid arthritis is a non-specific, multiple and symmetric form of arthritis. It is characterized by a slow disease course and recurrent episodes of joint pain and swelling. Its pathogenesis is related to the immune response. The lesions begin in the synovial membrane and destroy cartilage and bone. It predominates in women and has a slow course. The pain is polyarticular, often bilateral and symmetrical. The common affected joints are hand, wrist, knee, etc., with joint deformity in the late stage. x-ray manifestations: early stage of peripheral soft tissue enlargement, osteoporosis, joint effusion; late stage of joint space narrowing, or even disappearance, or even bony ankylosis. Treatment principles: (1) relieve pain; (2) inhibit inflammation and eliminate joint swelling; (3) protect joint function, prevent or correct limb deformity, and improve limb function. Surgical treatment: early synovectomy to interrupt the development of the lesion and protect the joint. Arthroscopic joint cleaning can be performed. Arthroplasty and arthroplasty can be performed for advanced deformity cases.