Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Using Intramedullary and Interosseous Fixation

Multiple fixation techniques have been developed for distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint arthrodesis. Delayed and nonunion rates varying from 0% to 20% have been reported. The senior author has refined a technique for DIP joint arthrodesis by using an intramedullary Kirschner wire and an interosseous wire for fusion of the DIP joint and interphalangeal (IP) joint of the thumb. In 24 joint arthrodeses in 19 patients, the nonunion rate was 4%, and the minor complication rate was 12%. The advantages of this technique include the absence of protruding hardware that would necessitate removal; consistency in achieving osteosynthesis, with a low nonunion rate; and technical simplicity.