Which hand deformity is most commonly related to the progression of rheumatoid arthritis?

The most commonly related hand deformity associated with the progression of rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by volar (palmar) subluxation with ulnar drift. In rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation affects the wrist and finger joints, leading to pain and structural changes over time.

As the disease progresses, the tendons and ligaments that stabilize the joints become weakened, which causes the proximal phalanx of the fingers to shift volarly (toward the palm) and ulnarly (toward the ulnar side of the hand). This can result in the classic appearance of the hand seen in advanced rheumatoid arthritis where the fingers deviate toward the ulnar side, leading to difficulty in hand function and altered grip patterns.

The nature of these alignments is primarily due to the inflammatory process within the joints and the changes it causes in the soft tissues supporting the joints. Understanding this deformity is crucial for recognizing the functional limitations and developing an appropriate intervention plan for individuals affected by rheumatoid arthritis.