A report on the early failure of the LPM proximal interphalangeal joint replacement

The LPM (Van Straten Medical, Netherlands) proximal interphalangeal joint replacement was introduced to the United Kingdom in October 2000, and 257 implants were sold. We have audited the results of this prosthesis, and obtained data for 164 of the 257 implants. Forty-seven (29%) of the 164 have been revised and another 33 (20%) are showing clinical and radiological signs of failure at a maximum follow-up of 6 years. Massive osteolysis leading to aseptic loosening is the commonest cause of failure. We believe that all patients who have had this prosthesis inserted should be kept under regular clinical and radiographic review.