Abstract
Objective: Nalebuff’s type I deformity of the rheumatoid thumb, which is the most common thumb deformity with rheumatoid arthritis, can be classified into three stages according to the range of motion of the thumb. However, a functional assessment for each stage has never been undertaken. Methods: The ranges of motion of the thumb metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints were evaluated to determine Nalebuff’s clinical stage, and both the Modified Kapandji Index (MKI) and the simple test for evaluating hand function (STEF) were used to evaluate hand function in 32 rheumatoid arthritis patients with type I deformity. We assessed hand function in each stage, and examined the relationship between the three clinical stages and dysfunction of the hand. Results: The scores for both MKI and STEF were significantly reduced in parallel with advancing stage of thumb deformity. Conclusion: Nalebuff’s staging system is also useful for reflecting the level of thumb function.
Highlights
60% to 80% of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complain of functional disability due to deformities of their fingers [1]
Preserving and recovering thumb functions are very important in the practice of RA
The ranges of motion of the thumb MP and IP joints of patients included in the study were measured, and patients were classified into three disease stages for type I deformity of the rheumatoid thumb
Summary
60% to 80% of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complain of functional disability due to deformities of their fingers [1]. The thumb is the most important digit of the hand, and deformity of the thumb is one of the most frequent conditions affecting patients with RA [2]. Rheumatoid Thumb Deformities affect 40% 50% of functional exacerbation in upper extremities [3]. Preserving and recovering thumb functions are very important in the practice of RA. How to cite this paper: Oda, R., Taniguchi, D., Fujiwara, H., Toyama, S., Tokunaga, D. and Kubo, T. (2015) Function Assessment for Rheumatoid Thumb Deformity. Open Journal of Rheumatology and Autoimmune Diseases, 5, 92-96.
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