title: Metacarpophalangeal joint implant arthroplasty.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually requires lifelong treatment and sometimes surgery. Metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) implant arthroplasty is one surgical treatment for patients with severe RA malformation of the finger joints. Although not a cure, MCPJ implant arthroplasty can enhance patients' quality of life by improving their performance of independent activities of daily living. The silicone implant acts as a spacer until tendons and connective tissues are able to control the joint's functions. Comprehensive preoperative and postoperative patient teaching and aggressive physical therapy are needed to achieve optimal outcomes in patients who undergo this surgical procedure.
authors.affiliation: Barnes Hospital, St. Louis.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roth
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000451:nursing / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D009871:Operating Room Nursing; D012828:Silicones
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones