Considerations When Performing Arthrodesis in the Scleroderma Hand.

Our study suggests that arthrodesis can be performed safely in the scleroderma hand, even when patients are taking DMARDs. Given the uneventful K-wire removal in all joints and the high risk of exposure of buried hardware in this population, we recommend nonpermanent placement of K-wires. Hand surgeons may consider arthrodesis in the scleroderma hand before proceeding to revision amputation.