Results of small-joint arthrodesis: comparison of Kirschner wire fixation with tension band wire technique

In a retrospective study the results of 203 interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal arthrodeses performed between 1977 and 1990 were reviewed. Eighty-three percent of the cases involved severe hand injuries. Two fixation techniques were used. During the early period, 143 arthrodeses were performed with percutaneous Kirschner wires, combined with either interosseous wiring or plaster of Paris. From 1987 to 1990, 60 arthrodeses were performed with the use of tension band fixation. In the Kirschner wire group 18% of the patients had pin-track infections, and in 15% rearthrodeses were necessary. In the tension band group 2% of the patients had an infection, and in 5% rearthrodeses were performed. Both the infection rate and the rearthrodeses rate were significantly lower in the tension band group than in the Kirschner wire group. Judging from this study, the tension band fixation technique is the method of choice for arthrodeses of the small finger joints.