JORT Journal

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease with a prevalence of about 1% of the global population [1], predominantly affecting women between the second and fourth decades of life [2]. RA commonly affects the metacarpophalangeal joints [3], particularly the synovial membrane, potentially causing irreversible bone and cartilage destruction [4]. The diagnosis involves a combination of clinical presentation and complementary tests, with no single test able to confirm the pathology independently. Clinically, RA manifests with constitutional symptoms such as low-grade fever, fatigue, myalgia and weight loss, as well as symmetric polyarthritis, primarily in small peripheral joints, with pain, inflammatory signs, and prolonged morning stiffness lasting more than an hour. Imaging can reveal bone erosions, subluxations, and deformities that emerge as the disease progresses. Laboratory tests confirm the diagnosis through serologies and elevated inflammatory markers [4].

As a progressive inflammatory disease with no cure and a high potential for motor disability, early recognition and the development of new therapies, whether clinical or surgical, are crucial to improving patients' quality of life and functionality. Despite advances in the clinical management of RA, treatment still faces limitations in managing hand deformities that develop over time. Although there is no consensus among specialists, early surgical intervention by orthopaedics can restore hand mobility and functionality, offering better outcomes compared to late interventions.