Review article

HAND SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Katarina Barbarić Starčević orcid.org/0000-0002-2814-4044 ; Klinika za ortopediju, Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive, systematic inflammatory disease which canoften cause progressive development of deformity and loss of function of the hand and the wrist, accompanied by pain and difficulties in everyday life. The goal of surgical treatment of these patients is regaining better function of the hand and the wrist, relief
of pain, and achieving a better esthetic result. Preventive procedures slow down the natural course of the disease by the removal of inflamed and reactive tissue. They enhance joint function and reduce the risk of tendon ruptures and development of more severe deformities. In the later course of the disease, with severe changes already present, reconstructive surgical treatments are performed with the goal to regain better function and reduce pain, or to treat ruptured tendons. Cooperation of rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons is necessary in the treatment decision, with an individualized approach to each patient, to determine the best timeline and surgical procedure.

Keywords

Rheumatoid arthritis; Joint deformities, acquired; Hand; Wrist joint; Metacarpophalangeal joint; Carpala bones; Tendons; Synovectomy; Arthroplasty; Arthrodesis; Recovery of function

Hrčak ID:

212243

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/212243

Publication date:

6.12.2018.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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