Rheumatoid Arthritis Upper Limb

Question 1

What is RA?

Answer 1

• Synovitis & tenosynovitis
• Erosion of the joints
• Joint instability and tendon rupture

Question 2

Signs & symptoms of longstanding RA?

Answer 2

• Deformed
• Painful
• Occasionally malfunctioning hands

Question 3

Clinical examination of RA would show?

Answer 3

• Volar MCPJ subluxation
• Ulnar deviation
• Swan neck deformity
• Boutonniere deformity
• Z-shaped thumb

Question 4

Treatment of RA?

Answer 4

-Tenosynovectomy (excision of synovial tendon sheath)

Question 5

What might prevent tendon rupture?

Answer 5

Tenosynovectomy

Question 6

Treatmnet of extensor tendon rupture?

Answer 6

Direct surgical repair not possible

• Tendon transfers
• Joint fusions