Dacron collateral ligament reconstruction with proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty

A porous Dacron (Phoenix Bioengineering, Bridgeport, PA) tendon is described for collateral ligament reconstruction and augumentation with proximal interphalangeal joint implant arthroplasty. Eight cases with a minimum follow-up of 15 months are reviewed. Diagnoses include posttraumatic arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis. The porous Dacron tendon is constructed as a collagen-like weave. It has been useful in patients who have insufficient local tissue to achieve lateral proximal interphalangeal joint stability. In selected cases, it can obviate the need for a tendon graft and provide an alternative to arthrodesis.