Surgical treatment of the swan-neck deformity in rheumatoid arthritis.

Swan-neck deformities vary not only in origin but also in the extent of functional loss. Careful examination used to determine the degree of flexion in all positions as well as x-ray examination of the joint has allowed us to group these patients into four types. Various surgical procedures are recommended according to this classification, which has made the treatment of these patients more orderly and rewarding.