Swan Neck Deformity eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Structural deformities of the digits of the hand are common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A swan-neck deformity, typically defined as proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint hyperextension with concurrent distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint flexion, occurs in approximately 50% of patients with RA. However, swan-neck deformity is not unique to RA, because it may also be congenital or traumatic in nature. Multiple surgical procedures are available for the correction of this digital abnormality. The deformity of the finger or fingers must be staged accurately to use the most appropriate surgical technique. The staging of the deformed finger is based on the condition of the articular cartilage—which is determined by radiography—and on the flexibility of the PIP joint.
Synonyms and related keywords: volar plate synovitis, synovitis of capsule, collateral ligament synovitis, finger deformity, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hand deformity, finger deformity, rheumatoid factor, rheumatoid hand, RA, tenosynovitis, swan neck deformity, boutonniere deformity Author: Roberto Sandoval, MD 2007