title: Treatment considerations in the complicated rheumatoid hand.
abstract: The rheumatoid patient with complex involvement or multiple deformities of the hand and wrist can be a challenge to the hand surgeon. A systematic and orderly approach is used to formulate and execute a treatment plan that is realistic and that can result in modest, but significant improvement in overall hand function. The evaluation and treatment philosophy which is described can help turn a complicated and seemingly overwhelming situation into smaller components which can be treated in one or more surgical stages.
authors.affiliation: Tufts University Hand Surgery Program, Boston, Massachusetts.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Miller-Breslow
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Millender
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Feldon
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000601:surgery; D008722:Methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000601:surgery