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Hand & Upper Limb
intermediate
X-Type

Rheumatoid Hand

Inflammatory Conditions

A 55-year-old woman with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis presents with progressive deformities of her hands. Examination reveals ulnar deviation of the fingers at the MCP joints, boutonniere deformities of multiple digits, and dorsal subluxation of the distal ulna. She has difficulty with grip and pinch. Regarding the rheumatoid hand:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease causing synovial inflammation; the hand is inv...

B

Ulnar drift at the MCP joints results from weakening of the radial sagittal bands, ulnar pull of ext...

C

Surgical treatment is first-line for all rheumatoid hand deformities; MCP joint synovectomy is ineff...

D

The DRUJ is commonly affected in RA causing caput ulnae syndrome (dorsal subluxation of distal ulna,...

E

Surgical priorities in the rheumatoid hand follow a proximal to distal sequence: wrist before hand, ...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option