What are the key points about hand and wrist arthritis surgery for hand and wrist arthritis?
Arthritis of the hand and wrist occurs in one of two major forms: inflammatory arthritis, including conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and the more common form of degenerative arthritis is known as osteoarthritis. For additional information regarding hand and wrist arthritis, please see our textbook titled, Principles of Hand Surgery and Therapy. (Figure 1A)Inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, have evidence of an autoimmune malfunction where the body appears to be attacking its own joints. These conditions often have a hereditary component and can often be diagnosed with specific blood tests such a rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP), antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Many types of inflammatory arthritis also produce systemic illness. Osteoarthritis is not associated with any clear hereditary pattern although it does seem to be more pronounced in certain families. There are no corresponding bloo
