Nonvascularized osteoarticular allograft replacement of the proximal interphalangeal joint after extensive loss of...

Nonvascularized small-joint allografts are a potentially attractive alternative to prosthetic implantation in cases of posttraumatic destruction of the proximal interphalangeal joint combined with metaphyseal and diaphyseal metacarpal or phalangeal bone loss, as well as soft tissue tendon defects of the digital extensor mechanism. Benefits include the absence of donor site defect, the ability to simultaneously reconstruct deficiency of the extensor mechanism, restore digital length and phalangeal (and metacarpal) bone stock in the face of bone loss, and the provision of an osteoinductive platform onto which creeping substitution can occur. Difficulties include an increased potential for infection and the potential for narrowing of the joint space because of articular cartilage loss. Early results suggest that the benefit of this technique lies in its ability to restore bone stock and soft tissue integrity that would make later prosthetic joint replacement feasible.