title: Delayed rupture of the spleen in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: When tripping and falling patients with rheumatoid arthritis may adopt the 'fetal tuck' position to protect their painful deformed hands. There is then a risk of splenic injury by the left elbow, which may not be immediately apparent.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, East Birmingham Hospital.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Middleton
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D013161:Splenic Rupture / Q000209:etiology*; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors