Boutonniere deformity is associated with which condition?

Boutonniere deformity is associated with which condition?

• A. Chronic rheumatoid arthritis
• B. Osteoarthritis
• C. Gout
• D. Tendonitis

Answer: (A)

Boutonniere deformity reflects disruption of the finger extensor mechanism at the proximal interphalangeal joint. When the central slip of the extensor tendon is damaged or weakened, the PIP falls into flexion while the DIP may hyperextend, creating the characteristic posture. This pattern is most commonly seen with chronic inflammatory conditions, especially rheumatoid arthritis, where persistent synovitis weakens the central slip and allows this deforming posture to develop. Other conditions like osteoarthritis, gout, or tendonitis can affect the hand, but they do not classically produce this specific PIP flexion with DIP hyperextension deformity.

Boutonniere deformity reflects disruption of the finger extensor mechanism at the proximal interphalangeal joint. When the central slip of the extensor tendon is damaged or weakened, the PIP falls into flexion while the DIP may hyperextend, creating the characteristic posture. This pattern is most commonly seen with chronic inflammatory conditions, especially rheumatoid arthritis, where persistent synovitis weakens the central slip and allows this deforming posture to develop. Other conditions like osteoarthritis, gout, or tendonitis can affect the hand, but they do not classically produce this specific PIP flexion with DIP hyperextension deformity.