Foot Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis
FOOT INVOLVEMENT Joint involvement in the foot resembles that in the hand, except for deformities that are determined chiefly by the foot’s weight-bearing function (see Plate 5-4). The toes usually…
Advanced Hand Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis
EARLY AND MODERATE HAND INVOLVEMENT The joints of the hands and wrists are among the most frequent sites of involvement (see Plate 5-2). In the fingers, some or all of…
Early and Moderate Hand Involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis
As the disease becomes more chronic, fibroblasts infiltrate the inflamed joint capsule, which becomes thickened and boggy. The pannus progresses, causing more destruction and joint deformity. The progressive inflammation causes…
Joint Pathology in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) are the most common forms of arthritis. Both of these chronic conditions are characterized by pain, stiffness, restricted joint motion, joint…
Duplication of Parts, Overgrowth, and Congenital Constriction Band Syndrome
Surgical reconstruction is indicated if it can improve function (and possibly yield cosmetic benefit) without subjecting the patient to many operations. Surgery should be undertaken as early as possible. The…
Failure of Formation of Parts: Longitudinal Arrest (Continued)
Constriction bands are more likely to involve the distal part of the limb, especially the hand and foot. The central digits are usually affected; severe acrosyndactyly is rare in the…
Failure of Formation of Parts: Longitudinal Arrest (Continued)
Surgical treatment is very challenging and may include total or partial amputation or reduction in size. If the deformity is unsightly, amputation may be indicated. Although surgical reduction of an…
Failure of Formation of Parts: Longitudinal Arrest (Continued)
Surgical treatment is usually performed to improve appearance. Early amputation is indicated when the polydactylous finger is a flail, poorly attached appendage. When the attachment of the extra digit is…
Failure of Formation of Parts: Longitudinal Arrest
Camptodactyly refers to congenital flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger (usually little finger), a condition that is often hereditary and can be bilateral. Although it usually…
Failure of Formation of Parts: Transverse Arrest (Continued)
In determining treatment for the cleft hand, existing function must be considered. The two opposing digital units are often stable, mobile, and quite functional, although not cosmetically attractive. If function…
