Surgery of systemic lupus erythematosus arthritis of the hand.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of a group of three uncommon arthritic diseases, including psoriatic arthritis and scleroderma, that superficially resemble rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These diseases frequently involve the hand and wrist and therefore are significant to the hand surgeon. SLE has certain specific characteristics that separate it from the other two conditions. Each of these diseases has distinct features affecting the nature of the deformities as well as the treatment indicated to adequately care for these patients.