title: Applying evidence in the care of patients with rheumatoid hand and wrist deformities.
abstract: The traditional approach in managing rheumatoid hand deformities is based on the individual surgeon's experiences. In the current era of evidence-based medicine, formulating treatment for the rheumatoid hand fits perfectly within the framework of evidence-based medicine by leveraging the best evidence from the literature, incorporating surgeons' experience and considering patients' preferences. In this Special Topic article, we use a case example to illustrate how evidence-based medicine can be practiced within the framework of treating rheumatoid hand deformities by distilling the best evidence from the literature to guide surgeons in a rational approach for treating this common condition.
authors.affiliation: Ann Arbor, Mich. From the Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System; and the Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School.
authors.forename: Shady A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Rehim
authors.forename: Kevin C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006227:Hand Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery