The normal and pathological mobility of the metacarpo-phalangeal joint.

The pathological mobility of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints of 100 patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis was studied, and the results were analysed and compared with the results obtained in a control non-rheumatoid group. This report seems to suggest that rheumatoid metacarpo-phalangeal joints become more lax the longer the rheumatoid disease has been present. However, when there is marked local involvement of the joint this hyperlaxity cannot be proven because of pain and/or mechanical blockage.