[Degenerative changes in the small joints of the hand in adults]

Based on a macroscopic investigation of 137 joints of humans aged 50-90 years, using necroptic material from the Institute of Anatomy, the authors describe the course of the degenerative process and its localization on the contact surfaces of different joints. Concurrently the author describes also changes of the synovial layer of the articular capsule in relation to changes of the articular cartilage.