Volar plate arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint: a preliminary report

Osteoarthritis of the hand, including involvement of the proximal interphalangeal joint, is common in the aging population. The purpose of this study is to provide a preliminary retrospective report on 12 volar plate arthroplasties in 9 patients who had volar plate advancement arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The average age of the patients was 67.6 years. All of the patients' data were obtained from office notes and hand therapy assessment sheets. The average time from surgery to follow-up evaluation was 36.5 months. All patients had significant pain relief. Range of motion was maintained; there was no significant difference between preoperative and final arc of motion values. Preoperative pinch and grip strengths did not differ significantly from the final values. Postoperative position was similar to preoperative angulation, with recognized lateral stability. Our results suggest that volar plate advancement arthroplasty represents a good primary surgical therapeutic option for the osteoarthritic proximal interphalangeal joint, providing pain relief while preserving motion, strength, and stability.