You are evaluating a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the hand and wrist.You notice several deformities, including hyperextension of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and flexion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of digits 2, 3, and 4.This deformity is called:

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The hyperextension of the PIP joint and flexion of the DIP joint of digits 2, 3, and 4 is consistent with a Swan-neck deformity, which is a common deformity seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Heberden's deformity is characterized by bony enlargements at the distal interphalangeal joints, Boutonnière deformity is characterized by flexion of the PIP joint and hyperextension of the DIP joint, and saddleback deformity is not a recognized term in rheumatoid arthritis.

You Are Evaluating a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) of the Hand