Abstract
A 34-year-old Japanese woman was suffering from scleroderma with contracture of the interphalangeal joints, which was resistant to treatment with prednisolone and cyclosporine A or PUVA-bath therapy. Her hands exhibited extreme “finger-in-palm” deformities, including metacarpophalangeal joint extension and interphalangeal joint contractures. Function was severely limited, and she was unable to grasp so much as a teacup. She underwent the operation designed to correct the balance of the tension between extensor and flexor of her left fingers. She also underwent excision method of fibrosing peritenon of extensor digitorum longus muscles. The patient satisfied with the functional outcome of the surgery, as her finger position was significantly improved, and she was able to place her fingertips on objects. Hand surgery for severe scleroderma is reliable when significant deformity and functional limitations are present.
