Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the thumb and fingers. Although deformity does not require surgical intervention unless pain is present or a functional deficit exists, tendon rupture may restrict daily activities. We assessed the pattern of subcutaneous extensor or flexor tendon rupture, surgical procedures, and outcome. Fourteen hands in 12 patients (two males and 10 females) were investigated. The average age was 65 years (range : 42 to 84 years). Subcutaneous extensor tendon rupture mainly existed on the ulnar side due to tenosynovitis and subluxation of the ulna head. On the other hand, flexor tendon rupture occurred from the radial to middle side. One case included the flexor pollicis longus and superficialis and profundus tendon to the index finger due to osteophyte of the lunate. The other case included the flexor digitorum superficialis of the middle and ring fingers caused by severe tenosynovitis. Combined operations with synovectomy, tendon transfer or tendon graft and Sauve-Kapandji's procedure were performed. Slight extension deficit was residual, but no obvious disturbance was recognized.
