Signs & Symptoms

Difficulty in using the hand for daily activities (holding or gripping a cup, tool or eating utensils for example) is the most common complaint of patients with MCP or PIP joint disease. These problems in using the hand may be due to deformity, pain or both.

Many patients notice their fingers slowly drifting (leaning) towards the little-finger side of their hand. This condition is called ulnar drift. Daily activities may become difficult with time.  

Treatment

Treating the symptoms can sometimes be done without surgery. Medication, splinting, changes in daily activity, and injections of anti-inflammatory medicine may be recommended by your rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon in the early stages of MCP or PIP joint disease. If these forms of non-surgical treatment do not work, surgery may be considered.

Surgical Alternatives

Two types of surgery are commonly performed. The first is generally done in less severe cases and is called synovectomy, or soft-tissue replacement. The second type of surgery is joint replacement and is generally used on more severe cases of MCP and PIP joint disease. The diseased knuckle joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of silicone rubber. The goals of treatment are pain relief, restored motion, and strengthening of the fingers. Your orthopaedic surgeon will advise you on the best treatment for your situation.  Your surgeon will consider:

• The intensity and frequency of pain and discomfort.
• The degree of deformity.
• Your ability to use the hand effectively.
• Your job and day-to-day habits and lifestyle ? how you use your hands.
• Your ability to complete rehabilitation.
• Your overall health.