Subjects with chronic hemiplegia following stroke attempted to perform voluntary isometric, isokinetic, and free contractions of the extensor muscles of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints. We recorded torque, metacarpophalangeal joint angle and velocity, and electromyographic (EMG) activity of the extrinsic extensors and flexors and the first dorsal interosseous (FDI). We found that voluntary...

A swan-neck or boutonniere deformity occurs in approximately half of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The cause of boutonniere deformity is chronic synovitis of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Swan-neck deformity may be caused by synovitis of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, or distal interphalangeal joints. Numerous procedures are available for the operative correction...

One of the major challenges, if not the major challenge, in the management of Dupuytren’s disease is correction of the proximal interphalangeal joint contracture and maintenance of this correction. In 1831 Dupuytren himself [1] recognized the difficulty in straightening the proximal interphalangeal joint. Despite this, much of the early literature focused on Dupuytren’s Disease in the palm [2]....

We have studied changes in peripheral joint laxity occurring during pregnancy in 68 females using both the finger hyperextensometer to quantify laxity at the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index finger and Beighton et al.'s modification of the Carter and Wilkinson scoring system. Although the latter system recorded no change, the more sensitive hyperextensometer demonstrated a significant inc...

Knuckle pads are well circumscribed thickenings of the skin over the metacarpophalangeal and, more commonly, the proximal interphalangeal joints. Although the association with several other clinical syndromes including Dupuytren's disease is well documented, most cases are idiopathic. We present a case of knuckle pads and briefly review the history and course of this disease.

Fracture-dislocations in the small joints of the fingers are challenging injuries. The surgeon must choose an appropriate treatment based on fracture pattern, joint stability, and injury chronicity. Fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint are notoriously unforgiving, with potential long-term sequelae of residual pain and stiffness. Similar injuries in the distal interphalang...