PIP joint surgery in rheumatoid disease

The proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint in rheumatoid arthritis is often involved with disabling pain and deformity. Correction of swan-neck deformity is easier than correction of boutonniere deformity. Total joint arthroplasty is now available and is capable of treating most PIP disease in rheumatoid arthritis. However if the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints are involved, fusion of the PIP is more often appropriate.