title: The PIP joint.
abstract: The anatomy of the PIP joint has been reviewed, regarding it as a functional complex including extensor and flexor mechanisms, rather than as a simple hinge joint. The importance of stability and mobility has been stressed. The pathological changes affecting this joint, resulting from primary joint disease, primary extensor tendon disease and primary flexor tendon disease have been described. The management of the resulting deformities has been discussed under the headings of general management, splintage, steroid injection, and surgery, including synovectomy, restoration of flexion, restoration of extension, arthroplasty and arthrodesis.
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D001174:Arthrodesis; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D000074402:Synovectomy; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology; D013717:Tenosynovitis / Q000209:etiology