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Hand problems
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The hand in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis often attacks the hand causing both pain and deformity; function however is commonly well preserved. Surgery is aimed and maintaining function and relieving pain.

A typical rheumatoid hand  showing swollen knuckles  (MCP joints) and deformed  fingers

The surgical management of the rheumatoid hand is extremely complex and a variety of different procedures may be required. The more commonly used procedures are:

• Repair of ruptured tendons
     Tendons often rupture because of rheumatoid infiltration causing 'dropped finger'

• Replacement of metacarpo-phalangeal joints
     Knuckle joints often become deformed and painful

• Fusion of unstable joints
     Unstable wrist and thumb joints may be surgically stiffened