Abstract
BackgroundMusculoskeletal ultrasound can be now considered a complement to physical examination in rheumatoid arthritis. This study evaluates the role of musculoskeletal ultrasound in assessment of rheumatoid hand function and underlying functional defects and disabilities in order to find out a possibly better tool for assessment.ResultsHand grip weakness was significantly associated with metacarpophalangeal joints synovitis of ulnar 4 fingers (p = 0.045), wrist joint synovitis (p = 0.009), flexor tendons tenosynovitis of the ulnar 4 fingers (p = 0.001), flexor pollicis longus tendon tenosynovitis (p = 0.013).Hand function impairment by grip ability test was significantly associated with metacarpophalangeal joints synovitis of ulnar 4 fingers (p = 0.009), wrist joint synovitis (p = 0.004), and flexor tendons tenosynovitis of the ulnar 4 fingers (p = 0.042). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the most influencing factor affecting grip ability test and hand grip strength was ulnar 4 Flexor tendons tenosynovitis (P = 0.023, P = 0.037) respectively.ConclusionsJoint synovitis and tenosynovitis that are detected by musculoskeletal ultrasound can be used as an assessment tool for hand function in rheumatoid arthritis, since they are associated with reduced hand grip strength and impaired hand ability.
Highlights
Musculoskeletal ultrasound can be considered a complement to physical examination in rheumatoid arthritis
The aim of this study was to find out the value of musculoskeletal ultrasound as a tool for assessment of hand function, defect, and disability in rheumatoid hand and whether it can be used in early detection of such disability
Descriptive analysis Thirty Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with 60 RA hands were included in the present study
Summary
Musculoskeletal ultrasound can be considered a complement to physical examination in rheumatoid arthritis. There are reductions in muscle strength and mobility accompanied with deformities. It is associated with functional impairment and disabilities [1, 2]. Little is known about the relationships between rheumatoid hand function and different pathological findings in the joints, such as inflammation and structural damage. This raises the need for incorporating newer techniques and approaches to assess rheumatoid hand function for more early treatment and prevention of such disabilities [4]
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