Five-year results of a new total replacement prosthesis for the finger metacarpo-phalangeal joints

An unconstrained surface metacarpophalangeal joint replacement was developed with metal metacarpal and polyethylene phalangeal components, fixed by uncemented finned polyethylene plugs which allowed some metacarpal component motion. Clinical and radiological results in 13 joints in eight patients are presented after 5 years. One infection required revision at 3 months. There were no further complications. At final review there were no implant failures. Two of 13 joints showed lucency around the phalangeal component and one showed 2mm subsidence of the metacarpal component. No other adverse radiological features were observed. Seven patients had no pain and one had minor discomfort. Joint movement had improved from an arc of 27 degrees to 60 degrees and disability, assessed using the P.E.M. questionnaire, had improved from 77% to 9%.