title: Extensor tendon ruptures in rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: The best treatment for extensor tendon rupture is prevention, either by medical management or surgical tenosynovectomy before tendon ruptures occur. Once a rupture has occurred, tendon transfer or free tendon grafting can provide acceptable restoration of extensor function. Communication with the rheumatologist is necessary to provide timely treatment for chronic dorsal tenosynovitis (and impending tendon rupture) or for single finger extension loss before the disease progresses to multiple finger extension loss. Consideration always must be given to associated joint involvement when planning surgical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Tufts Combined Hand Surgery Service, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Feldon
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications*; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D013709:Tendon Transfer; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation; D013717:Tenosynovitis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014955:Wrist Joint