The pathogenesis and treatment of rheumatoid wrist and hand deformities.

As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, pannus formation causes subchondral bone damage and later cartilage and bone destruction. Stretching of ligaments due to capsular distension causes joint instability, and infiltration. These processes are frequently responsible for deterioration in hand function. However, present surgical treatments of wrist and hand deformities allow a degree of independence.