[Endoprosthetic replacement of rheumatoid finger joints]

Abstract

Resection arthroplasty, arthrodesis and prosthetic reconstruction are able to guarantee the maintenance of good functional ability of finger joints even in late stages and with severe destruction. Destruction of soft tissues of the finger joints cannot be corrected by prosthetic measures alone. A stabile situation of the wrist joint is one of the most important prerequisites for a normal performance of daily life activities. Silastic endoprostheses are still the gold standard for finger replacement in rheumatoid arthritis.