Surgical treatment of the boutonniere rheumatoid thumb deformity.

The boutonniere deformity is the most common rheumatoid thumb deformity. Its treatment is based on the type or stage of the deformity. We have reviewed our recent cases which are the basis for our current recommendations. MP joint synovectomy and EPL rerouting have a high recurrence rate of 64 per cent. MP joint fusion is the procedure of choice for the moderate type with isolated MP joint involvement. There is a low incidence of later IP joint collapse. MP joint arthroplasty is best suited for the low-demand, older patient with borderline proximal and distal joints. IP joint releases have a high degree of recurrence and are not recommended. In a low-demand patient with an advanced thumb, MP joint arthroplasty and IP joint fusion are the procedures of choice.