title: Treatment of thumb metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint arthritis.
abstract: Degenerative joint disease affecting the thumb metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints is a debilitating condition, which can significantly restrict activities of daily living. Conservative measures to address symptoms include oral anti-inflammatory medications, activity modification and splinting, and intraarticular corticosteroid injections. Surgical interventions include arthroscopic synovectomy, arthroplasty, and finally arthrodesis of the affected articulations. Although short-term results from synovectomy and arthroplasty seem promising, long-term data are not yet available. Arthrodesis of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints yields a stable yet functional thumb with reliably good pain relief.
authors.affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, The Philadelphia Hand Center, P.C., 834 Chestnut Street, Suite G114, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. ekshin@handcenters.com
authors.forename: Eon K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: A Lee
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Osterman
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013933:Thumb / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal