Rheumatoid arthritis in the metacarpophalangeal joint.

: A case is presented illustrating some of the basic principles in the development of deformity in the rheumatoid hand. Swanson flexible implant arthroplasties of the second through the fifth metacarpophalangeal joints are described and postoperative care and follow-up discussed. The authors conclude that surgery plays a crucial role in the early treatment of the rheumatoid hand.