Rheumatoid hand. Practical approach to assessment and management.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease with a predilection for the synovial tissues. Its diverse involvement can be demonstrated in the hand, where several anatomical structures can be affected simultaneously. Proper management requires attention to this principle, and a complete diagnostic evaluation will help to identify correctly the cause of the patient's functional limitation and pain. We present a practical approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis in the hand.