Treatment of the Thumb in the Rheumatoid Hand.

Deformities of the thumb in the context of rheumatoid arthritis are not uncommon and lead to early functional limitations due to the great importance of the first ray in almost all gripping functions. The various deformities of the thumb were already classified by Nalebuff in 1968, and this classification is still valid today. The treatment of a thumb deformity depends on the functional limitations, the number of affected joints, and the patient's requirements. In addition to tendon reconstructions, arthrodesis and arthroplasty are used. The decision is made individually depending on the status of the neighboring joints and the disease activity.