Soft tissue reconstruction for rheumatoid swan-neck and boutonniere deformities: long-term results

Ninety-two fingers with rheumatoid swan-neck deformity were treated with dorsal capsulotomy and lateral band mobilization. An initial increase of 55 degrees of motion into flexion was noted, but this proximal interphalangeal motion deteriorated over time. Of 15 fingers followed at 3 and 12 months, there was a mean loss of 17 degrees of the early postoperative flexion. Nineteen fingers with rheumatoid boutonniere deformity were treated with central slip reconstruction. The results were unpredictable, with only modest improvement in the proximal interphalangeal extension, which deteriorated over time. The authors now recommend arthrodesis for most severe rheumatoid boutonniere deformities.