title: The rheumatoid thumb.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis of the thumb is a common source of disability. Obtaining an understanding of the underlying biologic and physical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis is essential in the choice of treatment of the disease. In the early stages of the disease, conservative and less invasive measures can be used. In the more advanced stages, arthrodesis and arthroplasty are often used. Isolated interphalangeal involvement is best managed with arthrodesis. Metacarpophalangeal involvement in low-demand patients can be treated with arthroplasty, whereas arthrodesis can be used in more active patients. Patients who have carpometacarpal joint damage are best treated with trapezium resection arthroplasty.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Stoneman 10, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
authors.forename: Aron T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Chacko
authors.forename: Tamara D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Rozental
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001174:Arthrodesis; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement; D050823:Hand Joints / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D012421:Rupture / Q000601:surgery; D013165:Splints; D000074402:Synovectomy; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013933:Thumb / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents