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Hands and wrists are the most common location for deformities caused by
rheumatoid arthritis. As joint damage progresses, the joints between the hand
and fingers (metacarpophalangeal joints—MCPs) swell and move upward (dorsal
subluxation). The tendons over the joints slip and cause the fingers to bend
toward the little finger (ulnar drift). In addition, muscles in the hand thin
and weaken, creating valleys between the long tendons.
ByHealthwise StaffPrimary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal MedicineSpecialist Medical ReviewerNancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
Current as ofOctober 31, 2016
Current as of:
October 31, 2016
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Nancy Ann Shadick, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
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