Soft tissue metacarpophalangeal reconstruction for treatment of rheumatoid hand deformity

The long-term results of soft tissue metacarpophalangeal reconstruction without articular resection were reviewed in 16 hands of 12 patients with painful ulnar deviation-subluxation deformity. No splinting was used beyond 3 weeks. Patients had either lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The mean age at operation was 66 years, with mean disease duration of 15.9 years before operation. At follow-up (mean, 81 months), complete pain relief occurred in 88% of patients and 56 degrees and 64 degrees mean active metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal range of motion was present, respectively. Ulnar drift was corrected to 6 degrees on the average. The first semiobjective grading scale for metacarpophalangeal reconstruction was introduced. There were 82% good or excellent results.