Relative motion splints versus metacarpophalangeal joint blocking splints in the management of trigger finger: Study protocol for a randomized comparative trial.

BACKGROUND: Evidence supports the use of hand-based metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) blocking splints as an intervention for trigger finger (TF). In practice, finger-based relative motion (RM) splints are also implemented without evidence. PURPOSE: This randomized comparative trial (RCT) aims to evaluate implementation of MCPJ blocking and RM splints for effectiveness, function, occupational performance and wearability after 6 weeks of TF management. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Priori analysis determined 36 individuals were needed for random assignment to the RM or MCPJ blocking splint groups. Individuals must be aged ≥21 years, and diagnosed with TF involving ≥1 finger. For blinding purposes, the primary author screens for eligibility, fabricates the splints and educates. Therapist A administers the primary outcome measures Week-1 and Week-6-stage of stenosing tenosynovitis and secondary outcome measures- number of triggering events in 10 active fists, visual analog scales (VAS) for pain, splint comfort and satisfaction, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. Therapist B in Week-3 instructs participants in deep tissue massage and administers splint wearability VASs. The RM pencil test is used to determine the affected finger(s) MCPJ splint position i.e., more extension or flexion based on participant response. The MCPJ blocking splint holds the MCPJ in a neutral position. Analysis involves a mixed-effects ANOVA to compare Week-1 and Week-6 primary and secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Recruitment and data collection are ongoing. DISCUSSION: Biomechanically RM splints control tendon excursion and reduce passive tendon tension while allowing unencumbered finger motion and hand function. Hence clinicians use RM splints as an intervention for TF, despite the lack of implementation evidence. This RCT implements a function-focused as well as patient-centered approach with partial blinding of assessors and participants. CONCLUSION: We anticipate that this study will provide evidence for the implementation of RM splints to manage adults with TF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial registration This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05763017).

Pathomechanics of lumbrical and flexor digitorum profundus muscle tears in climbers: A cadaveric model.

Lumbrical muscles originate on the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons and, during fist making, they move in the same direction when FDP muscle produces maximal proximal tendon gliding. Injuries of the bipennate lumbricals have been described when a shear force acts between the origins on adjacent tendons of the FDP, as they glide in opposite directions in asymmetric hand postures. Other structures of the deep flexors complex can be affected during this injury mechanism, due to the so-called quadriga effect, which can commonly occur during sport climbing practise. Biomechanical studies are needed to better understand the pathomechanism. A cadaveric study was designed to analyse the effects of load during the fourth lumbrical muscle injury mechanism. The amount of FDP tendon gliding and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint flexion of the 5th finger were calculated. Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens (ten non-paired forearms and hands) were used. The specimens were placed on a custom-made loading apparatus. The FDP of the 5th finger was loaded, inducing isolated flexion of the 5th finger, until rupture. The rupture occurred in all specimens, under a load of 11 kg (SD 4.94), at 9.23 mm of proximal tendon gliding (SD 3.55) and at 21.4° (SD 28.91) of MCP joint flexion. Lumbrical muscle detachment from the 4th FDP was observed, from distal to proximal, and changes in FDP tendons at the distal forearm level too. The quadriga effect can lead to injury of the bipennate lumbrical muscles and the deep flexors complex in the hand and forearm.

A four-year community hospital experience regarding procedures for the replantation and revascularization of fingers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the clinical results and experiences in a community hospital regarding procedures for the replantation and revascularization of fingers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2015 and December 2019, a total of 58 patients (51 males, 7 females; mean age: 33.4±6.3 years; range, 23 to 46 years) who were followed after total and/or subtotal amputation and replantation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were evaluated at nine months in terms of cold intolerance, static two-point discrimination, and functional results using the range of motion (ROM) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. RESULTS: The majority of the patients presented with work-related injuries (70%), most commonly by the mechanism of guillotine (64%), and to the dominant hand (76%) and the third finger (36%) most frequently. The overall success rate of digit salvage was 72.9% (n=51). Of 19 digits with unsuccessful surgical outcomes, seven were from total and 12 were from subtotal amputations. In the long-term, cold intolerance was observed in 14 patients (24.1%) according to the cold intolerance severity scale. The mean static two-point discrimination value was 6.0±0.7 mm and the mean QuickDASH score was 22.3±5.0. The mean ROM measured at nine months after surgery in the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the third and fourth digits was significantly lower than that in the others (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The predictors of survival of a replanted digit indicated in this study can be used as a guide and decision-making aid for any attempts for replantation.

Pin vs plate fixation for metacarpal fractures: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The differences in the clinical and functional outcomes of closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation and open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) using plate and screws have been systematically synthesized by one meta-analysis. With newer studies being published, an effort to update the earlier meta-analysis is necessary. METHODS: Comprehensive searches were done systematically through PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and Google scholar databases. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, prospective comparative non-randomized studies, and even studies reporting findings from retrospective chart review were eligible to be included. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 13.0. GRADE assessment was done to assess the quality of pooled evidence. RESULTS: A total of 9 studies were included. The pooled estimates did not suggest any significant differences in the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score [WMD - 0.77; 95% CI, - 3.55, 2.00; I2 = 75.5%], range of movement (ROM) of the metacarpophalangeal joint (o) [WMD 4.44; 95% CI, - 4.19, 13.07; I2 = 86.0%], and grip strength [WMD - 4.63; 95% CI, - 14.52, 5.26; I2 = 86.9%] among the two intervention modalities. No difference was seen in the risk of complications between the two interventions (RR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.57, 1.53; I2 = 31.2%). For all the outcomes, the quality of pooled evidence was judged as low to very low. CONCLUSION: No significant long-term differences were noted in the functional outcomes suggesting that both these techniques are comparable. The choice of modality should be made based on the skills and preference of the surgeon and availability of resources.

Pin Insertion to the Interosseous Hood Minimize the Finger Motion Restriction for the Proximal Phalangeal Percutaneous Fixation: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the optimal pin insertion point to minimize finger motion restriction for proximal phalangeal fixation in cadaver models. Methods: We used 16 fingers from three fresh-frozen cadavers (age, 82-86 years). Each finger was dissected at the level of the carpometacarpal joint and fixated to a custom-built range of motion (ROM)-measuring apparatus after skin removal. The pin was inserted into the bone through four gliding soft tissues: the interosseous hood, dorsal capsule, lateral band, and sagittal band. Then, each tendon was pulled by a prescribed weight in three finger positions (flexion, extension, and intrinsic plus position). Changes in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP), and distal interphalangeal (DIP) angles were measured before and after pinning. We compared the differences between the insertion points using the Tukey-Kramer post hoc test. Results: Placement of pins into the sagittal band significantly restricted MCP joint flexion, while placement into the dorsal capsule and lateral band significantly restricted PIP joint flexion. Only placement into the interosseous hood showed no significant difference in joint angles between the three finger positions compared to pre-pin insertion. There were no significant effects on MCP, PIP, and DIP joint extension. Conclusions: The ROM of the MCP joint was obstructed due to pinning in most areas of insertion. However, pin insertion to the interosseous hood did not obstruct the finger flexion ROM compared to that of other gliding soft tissues; therefore, we believe that the interosseous hood may be a suitable pin insertion point for proximal phalangeal fixation.

Contribution of tenosynovitis of small joints to the symptom morning stiffness in patients presenting with undifferentiated and rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: Morning stiffness (MS) is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite its association with functional disability, the extent to which local inflammatory processes contribute to this symptom is unknown. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected tenosynovitis of small joints is recognized as an early feature of RA, which is also associated with functional impairments. It has been proposed that tenosynovitis contributes to MS. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between MS and MRI-detected inflammation, in particular tenosynovitis.Method: In total, 286 consecutive patients newly presenting with undifferentiated arthritis and RA underwent contrast-enhanced 1.5 T MRI of (2-5) metacarpophalangeal, wrist, and (1-5) metatarsophalangeal joints. Scans were scored for tenosynovitis according to Haavardsholm, and for synovitis by Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring (RAMRIS). MS was dichotomized as ≥ 60 min or not. Associations between MS and tenosynovitis/synovitis were tested with logistic regression, data were categorized (solitary or simultaneous presence of synovitis/tenosynovitis), and the presence of an additive interaction was assessed.Results: MS was present in 40% of patients. Tenosynovitis was more often present in patients with MS than without MS [80% vs 65%, odds ratio (OR) 2.11, 95% confidence interval (1.21;3.69)]. Synovitis was more often present in patients with MS [58% vs 44%, OR 1.79 (1.11;2.91)]. In categorized analyses, concurrent synovitis and tenosynovitis had the largest association [OR 2.43 (1.30;4.54)], in contrast to solitary synovitis [OR 0.85 (0.21;3.47)]. The additive interaction was non-significant. The variance explained in all analyses was small (range 4-5%).Conclusion: Tenosynovitis, combined with synovitis, at small joints is associated with MS and contributes to the pathophysiology of MS.

Incidence and progression of hand osteoarthritis in a large community-based cohort: the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence and progression of radiographic and symptomatic hand osteoarthritis (rHOA and sxHOA) in a large community-based cohort. DESIGN: Data were from the Johnston County OA Project (1999-2015, 12 ± 1.2 years follow-up, age 45+). Participants had bilateral hand radiographs each visit, read for Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KLG) at 30 joints. We defined rHOA as KLG ≥2 in ≥1 joint. SxHOA was defined in a hand/joint with rHOA and self-reported symptoms or tenderness on exam. Incidence was assessed in those without, while progression was assessed in those with, baseline rHOA. Proportions or medians are reported; differences by sex and race were assessed using models appropriate for dichotomous or continuous definitions, additionally adjusted for age, education, body mass index (BMI), and weight change. RESULTS: Of 800 participants (68% women, 32% African American, mean age 60 years), 327 had baseline rHOA and were older, more often white and female, than those without rHOA (n = 473). The incidence of HOA was high, for rHOA (60%) and for sxHOA (13%). Women were more likely than men to have incident HOA, particularly for distal interphalangeal joint radiographic osteoarthritis (DIP rOA) (adjusted odds ratios (aOR) 1.60 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) [1.03, 2.49]) and sxHOA (aOR 2.98 [1.50, 5.91]). Progressive HOA was more similar by sex, although thumb base rOA progressed more frequently in women than in men (aOR 2.56 [1.44, 4.55]). Particularly HOA incidence, but also progression, was more frequent among whites compared with African Americans. CONCLUSION: This study provides much needed information about the natural history of HOA, a common and frequently debilitating condition, in the general population.

The relation between upper extremity joint involvement and grip force in early rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective study.

To investigate the relation between joint involvement in the upper extremities and grip force in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An inception cohort of 225 patients with early RA was followed according to a structured protocol. The same rheumatologist assessed all patients for swollen joints and joint tenderness. Grip force was measured (Grippit; AB Detektor, Gothenburg, Sweden) at the same visit. Average grip force values for the dominant hand were expressed as % of expected, based on age- and sex-specific reference values from the literature. Associations between grip force and current synovitis or tenderness of individual joints, and other disease parameters measured at the same visit, were examined. Patients with current synovitis of the wrist joint or ≥ 1 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the dominant hand had a significantly lower grip force at inclusion, at 1 year and at 5 years. Proximal interphalangeal joint tenderness and MCP joint tenderness were consistently associated with reduced grip force. In multivariate analysis, extensive MCP joint synovitis was associated with lower grip force at inclusion (ß - 2.8% per joint; 95% CI - 5.3 to - 0.4), and also at the 1-year follow-up. Patient reported pain scores and erythrocyte sedimentation rates had independent negative associations with grip force at all time points. In patients with early RA, extensive synovitis of the MCP joints was associated with reduced grip force, independently of other upper extremity joint involvement. Pain and inflammation have effects on hand function beyond those mediated by local synovitis.

Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Arthritis.

Arthritis of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint can be debilitating whether in isolation or in conjunction with degenerative disease at the adjacent joints. Despite its crucial role in fluid and dexterous motion of the thumb axis, little is known about the isolated incidence of pathology at this joint. Etiologies include primary, posttraumatic, and inflammatory arthritis. For early, isolated degenerative disease, arthroscopic synovectomy has been shown to yield satisfactory results. For more advanced disease, fusion is the benchmark. The literature suggests that increased flexion angles may mitigate development of trapeziometacarpal arthritis. In case of advanced arthropathy of the entire thumb axis, arthroplasty is a viable option to reduce pain, preserve motion, and thus limit progression of adjacent joint disease. Special considerations should be given to the rheumatoid thumb because a select combination of treatments for each deformity is thought to best address the unique pathomechanics.

Injury risk of interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints under impact loading.

Injuries to the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the hand are particularly disabling. However, current standards for hand protection from blunt impact are not based on quantitative measures of the likelihood of damage to the tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the probability of injury of the MCP and PIP joints of the human hand due to blunt impact. Impact testing was conducted on 21 fresh-frozen cadaveric hands. Unconstrained motion at every joint was allowed. All hands were imaged with computed tomography and dissected post-impact to quantify injury. An injury-risk curve was developed for each joint using a Weibull distribution with dorsal impact force as the predictive variable. The injury risks for PIP joints were similar, as were those for MCP joints. The risk of injury of the MCP joints from a given applied force was significantly greater than that of the PIP joints (p = 0.0006). The axial forces with a 50% injury risk for the MCP and PIP joints were 3.0 and 4.2 kN, respectively. This is the first study to have investigated the injury tolerance of the MCP and PIP joints. The proposed injury curves can be used for assessing the likelihood of tissue damage, for designing targeted protective solutions such as gloves, and for developing more biofidelic standards for assessing these solutions.

Benefits of Additional Procedures for Metacarpophalangeal Hyperextension on Simple Trapeziectomy in Thumb Basal Osteoarthritis: A Biomechanical Cadaver Study.

Background: Patients with advanced osteoarthritis of the first carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1) may develop hyperextension of the first metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP-1). No clear clinical benefice has been reported consecutively to the surgical treatment of the MCP-hyperextension combined to a trapeziectomy. The reason of the missing benefit may be due to changes in the thumb position impairing the thumb stability secondary to the surgical procedures. We assessed changes in the transmission of forces at the thumb's end phalanx following a trapeziectomy combined with the surgical adjustment of the hyperextension of the MCP-1-joint in a biomechanical investigation using cadavers. Methods: The thumb muscles were loaded with nylon cables connected to a tension meter in 8 forearm cadavers. A 6-axis force sensor assessed the termino-lateral key-pinch orthogonal strength vectors at the level of the thumb distal phalanx prior to any surgery, and following a simple trapeziectomy, a trapeziectomy combined to a MCP-1-capsulodesis and the transfer of the extensor pollicis brevis over the metacarpal-1 head, or to an MCP-1-arthrodesis. Results: Combination of the trapeziectomy with the MCP-1- joint palmar capsulodesis and EPB-transfer or with a MCP-arthrodesis in neutral pronation-supination resulted in a significant shift of the thumb in pronation-abduction with respect to the preoperative assessment. The lowest shift was achieved when performing the arthrodesis in 20° supination or by overloading of the adductor pollicis. Conclusions: Combining the trapeziectomy with surgeries addressing the MCP-1-joint hyperextension induced a shift of the thumb in pronation-abduction that could impair the key-pinch stability. When considering additional procedures for MCP-1-joint hyperextension deformities, it should be recommended to fix the EPB-tendon on the radial aspect of the metacarpal head if a tendon transfer is considered, otherwise the MCP joint arthrodesis should be performed in supinated position, in order to achieve lateral key-pinch stability.

The Pathogenesis and Treatment of the Stiff Finger.

"Stiff finger," defined as a finger with decreased range of motion in one or more joints, is commonly found after hand injury and is classified into flexion or extension deformities. Pathogenesis is due to dysfunction in one or more of the following anatomic components: (1) osseous and articular; (2) capsuloligamentous; (3) musculotendinous units; (4) soft tissue and fascia. Evaluation and treatment are based on accurate identification and correction of pathologic structures. The mainstay of treatment is directed hand therapy with exercises and splinting to mobilize stiff joints. Operative interventions are offered after gains from therapy have been exhausted.

Arthrodesis of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint: Conventional open technique with a locking plate or compression pins versus minimally invasive technique with compression pins or screws.

Arthrodesis of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint usually leads to satisfying results when performed with an open technique. The main complication is adhesion of the extensor tendons that sometimes requires hardware removal associated with tenolysis. The goal of this study was to assess whether a minimally invasive technique could reduce the risk of this complication. Arthrodesis of the thumb MCP was performed using an open technique with a locking plate or compression pins in 12 cases (group I) and using a minimally invasive technique with compression pins or screws in 12 cases, for a total of 24 patients aged 48.9 years on average, among which 15 were women. At the last follow-up, the average pain level was rated at 2/10 in group I and 2.3/10 in group II. The QuickDASH was 40.70/100 in group I and 36.24 in group II, grip strength was 79% of the contralateral side in group I and 51% in group II. Pinch strength was 81% of the contralateral side in group I and 45% in group II. Fusion was achieved in all cases in group I and in 7 of 12 cases in group II. Surgical revision for non-union was needed in 5 cases in group II, with hardware removal and tenolysis performed in 2 cases. The non-unions were observed in non-rheumatoid cases. While the two groups were not identical, arthrodesis of the thumb MCP using a minimally invasive technique with compression pins or screws seems to give satisfying results for rheumatoid cases in which no cartilage remains.

Evaluation of ligament laxity during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy-related changes in ligament laxity have been shown to be associated with various disorders such as back pain or pelvic floor disorders. The purpose of this study was to assess laxity changes during pregnancy by confronting different methods in order to suggest a simple clinical tool helping to prevent the aforementioned problems. DESIGN: Seventeen pregnant women were evaluated at the first, second and third trimesters as cases and 16 non-pregnant women participated as controls. Ligamentous laxity was measured using an extensometer for the metacarpophalangeal joint of the index, a fingertip to floor test and a sit and reach test to assess hip and lumbar flexibility and the Beighton score. Statistical analysis included independent samples t-tests, analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Laxity of the metacarpophalangeal joint increased by 11% from the first to the second trimester of pregnancy and stabilized until delivery. The Beighton score was significantly higher in the second trimester of pregnancy (p < 0.05). The flexibility of the hip and lumbar vertebra showed a significant increase of the distance measured between the foot soles and the middle fingers at third trimester (p < 0.05). A moderate correlation was observed between the results given by the extensometer and the Beighton score in both the cases and the control group at first trimester (r = 0.60, p < 0.05) but none was found for the two hip and lumbar flexibility tests. CONCLUSION: Laxity reached its maximum at the second trimester. The combination of an objective measurement by the extensometer and a global evaluation of the laxity by the Beighton' score for example may be useful for a daily assessment of laxity. However, the chosen clinical tests don't seem appropriate to be used alone in pregnant women.

Radial Dislocation of Extensor Tendon Over the Metacarpophalangeal Joint of the Thumb due to Cerebral Hemorrhage: A Case Report.

We report a rare case of radial dislocation of the extensor tendon over the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the thumb. Ulnar dislocation has been reported, but previous reports have not mentioned radial dislocation of the extensor tendon in the thumb. Radial dislocation of the extensor tendon of the thumb gradually progressed after cerebral hemorrhage and the patient could not extend MCP joint of the thumb. To resolve difficulty in extending the MCP joint, surgical centralization of the extensor tendon and partial resection of the flexor pollicis brevis (FPB) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB) insertions was performed. The patient recovered function of thumb extensors.

Clostridium histolyticum as first-line treatment of Dupuytren's disease.

INTRODUCTION: The optimal minimal invasive treatment for Dupuytren's contractures (DC) remains debated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Clostridium histo-lyticum collagenase after 1-4 years of follow-up. The out-comes of this study were 1) overall improvements in degrees from baseline to follow-up; 2) contraction recurrence defined as an extension deficit above 20°, and 3) Hurst endpoint defined as an extension deficit below 5°. METHODS: All patients treated with C. histolyticum collagen-ase at the Regional Hospital Horsens from 2013 to 2016 with a minimum of one year of follow-up due to DC were included. The range of motion of the affected finger joint was measured before and immediately after injection and at follow-up. Specific information regarding known co-morbidities to DC was acquired. RESULTS: A total of 112 metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and 47 proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints were included. Total improvement in the range of motion for MCP and PIP joints were 43° and 16°, respectively. The recurrence rate was 9% for MCP joints and 70% for PIP joints. 73% of MCP joints and 9% of PIP joints achieved the Hurst endpoint. 92% of the patients were willing to repeat treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Collagenase is a viable first-line treatment for MCP joint contractures. However, results are inferior in the PIP joint. FUNDING: This work was supported by the The Scientific Foundation of Horsens Regional Hospital (grant number 00.06-G01-1-17). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials ID NCT03331926.

Exercise Therapy in Addition to an Orthosis Reduces Pain More Than an Orthosis Alone in Patients With Thumb Base Osteoarthritis: A Propensity Score Matching Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of exercises and orthotics with orthotics alone on pain and hand function in patients with first carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1) osteoarthritis (OA) and to predict outcomes on pain and hand function of exercises and orthotics. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with propensity score matching. SETTING: Data collection took place in 13 outpatient clinics for hand surgery and hand therapy in The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: A consecutive, population-based sample of patients with CMC-1 OA (N=173) was included in this study, of which 84 were matched on baseline demographics and baseline primary outcomes. INTERVENTIONS: Exercises and orthotics versus orthotics alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes included pain and hand function at 3 months, measured using visual analog scale (VAS, 0-100) and the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ, 0-100). RESULTS: A larger decrease in VAS pain at rest (11.1 points difference; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-20.3; P=.002) and during physical load (22.7 points difference; 95% confidence interval, 13.6-31.0; P<.001) was found in the exercise + orthotic group compared to the orthotic group. In addition, larger improvement was found for the MHQ subscales pain, work performance, aesthetics, and satisfaction in the exercise + orthotic group. No differences were found on other outcomes. Baseline scores of metacarpophalangeal flexion, presence of scaphotrapeziotrapezoid OA, VAS pain at rest, heavy physical labor, and MHQ total predicted primary outcomes for the total exercise + orthotic group (N=131). CONCLUSIONS: Non-surgical treatment of patients with CMC-1 OA should include exercises, since there is a relatively large treatment effect compared to using an orthosis alone. Future research should study exercises and predictors in a more standardized setting to confirm this finding.

A new assessment tool for ulnar drift in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using pathophysiological parameters of the metacarpophalangeal joint.

OBJECTIVES: To establish a new assessment tool for ulnar drift (UD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: We established an observational cohort of 67 patients (134 rheumatoid hands) beginning in 2004. Fifty-two patients (100 hands) had follow-up in 2009 and 37 patients (63 hands) completed follow-up in 2015. UD was evaluated with the Fearnley classification and our scoring method, which assesses four parameters of the metacarpophalangeal joint. Cluster analysis using UD parameters divided hands into groups. Changes in UD over time, correlation of the Fearnley stage and cluster with a functional assessment, and reliability of the parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: UD increased and worsened over time according to the trend test. A dendrogram indicated five clusters would be appropriate. Both the Fearnley classification and cluster were associated with function; however, our method related to function more linearly (R-squared: 0.42). We found one type of hand in which bone destruction precedes the joint dislocation and one type in which joint dislocation progresses with little deviation during UD progression. CONCLUSION: Our UD evaluation appeared to be simple and related to function. Additionally, it enables dividing UD hands into five stages. Thus, our assessment should be beneficial compared to the Fearnley classification in considering treatments of UD.