Tendons may be become inflamed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a result to synovitis affecting the synovium surrounding the tendons. The inflammation can lead to complications depending on severity and duration, especially in the hand and wrist.
Rheumatoid tendonitis and tenosynovitis may be associated with:
(1) acute and/or chronic inflammation
(2) pain and limitation in movement
(3) degenerative change in the connective tissue
(4) tendon rupture
(5) fibrosis with or without contractions
(6) rheumatoid nodules
Risk factors for extensor tendon rupture in the hand:
(1) duration of tenosynovitis >= 6 months
(2) scallop sign on X-ray of the hand
(3) dorsal dislocation of the distal ulna
(4) frequency and intensity of tendon use
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