[The stage of articular destruction in the rheumatoid hand]

Function incapacitation of the hand in rheumatoid arthritis was studied on 33 patients (54 hands). 35 were operated on. All cases had reached the stage of articular destructions. The authors emphasize the importance of preserved proximal inter-phalangeal joint for digito-palmar pinch. Thumb unstability was not severely disabling as long as the other digits were normal. However, when it was associated with hyperextension deformities of the other fingers, the hand became useless. Surgical indications in rheumatoid hand were detailed. The importance of restoring thumb function was pointed out.