Rheumatoid Hand and Wrist Surgery: Soft Tissue Principles and Management of Digital Pathology.

Abstract

Since the advent of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, orthopedic surgeons see fewer patients in the office who require hand surgery. However, a significant number of patients still seek surgical intervention to improve pain and function. These patients often present with isolated soft tissue pathologies, but even bone and joint pathology require meticulous soft tissue handling in this cohort. This review highlights the principles and techniques relevant to the management of soft tissue deformity in rheumatoid hand and wrist surgery, as exposure in training and practice continues to decrease.