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Ulnar neuropathies in rheumatoid arthritis
The Hand
|February 1, 1978
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause nerve damage, affecting motor axons in the median and ulnar nerves. This nerve damage, not muscle spasm, is linked to finger deviation in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder.
- Ulnar deviation of the fingers is a common complication in RA patients.
- The exact cause of ulnar deviation in RA remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between nerve damage and ulnar deviation in rheumatoid arthritis.
- To determine the role of motor axon loss in median and ulnar nerves.
- To explore potential causes of finger deviation, including muscle weakness and spasm.
Main Methods:
- Nerve conduction studies were performed on 33 rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Assessment of muscle strength in small hand muscles.
- Clinical evaluation for joint involvement and finger deviation.
Main Results:
- Half of the patients showed loss of functional motor axons in median and ulnar nerves.
- Weakness in small hand muscles was observed, potentially predisposing to ulnar deviation.
- No evidence supported muscle spasm as a significant cause of ulnar deviation.
Conclusions:
- Loss of motor axons in peripheral nerves is a significant finding in RA patients with ulnar deviation.
- Ulnar deviation in RA is primarily linked to nerve damage and muscle weakness, not solely joint disease or muscle spasm.
- Further research into neuroprotective strategies for RA is warranted.
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