Current Concept of Surgical Management for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Wrist

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disorder inducing multiple joint destruction. The wrist joint is frequently involved in early stage and proper management can preserve the ability to maintain a daily living and to work. Advances in medical treatment modalities can halt most joint destruction, however, not in all instances of joint inflammation and deformities. Most patients want to improve their own functional disability, pain, aesthetic problems in addition to medication. We review the current concept of rheumatoid wrist surgery and discuss the surgical treatment strategies for optimizing outcomes for patients with rheumatoid wrist.