Tendon reconstruction for the rheumatoid hand

Tendon involvement in rheumatoid arthritis is frequent and might even be the first sign of the disease. In long-standing untreated conditions, especially in combination with bony erosions, tenosynovitis may lead to tendon fraying and finally tendon rupture. Tendon reconstruction includes tendon grafting and tendon transfer. Direct repair is almost never possible in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, because the inflammatory process produces extensive tendon damage over a long distance. In patients with significant impaired joint function, additional joint treatment should be planned at the same time as tendon reconstruction.