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Failures of the RM finger prosthesis joint replacement system.
A Middleton1, R Lakshmipathy, L R Irwin
1Orthopaedic Department, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK. alanmid@yahoo.com
The Journal of Hand Surgery, European Volume
|May 20, 2011
Summary
The RM finger prosthesis showed high failure rates, with most implants needing revision within two years due to loosening. This joint replacement is not recommended, particularly for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Rheumatology
Background:
- High failure rates of the RM finger prosthesis joint replacement system were observed.
- A review of cases was initiated to assess implant performance and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically assess the performance and survival of the RM finger prosthesis joint replacement system.
- To identify the modes of failure and determine the implant's suitability for patient use.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 21 RM finger prosthesis implantations performed by a single surgeon.
- Regular patient follow-up with assessment of implant performance, revision, infection, and mortality.
- Mean follow-up duration of 32 months.
Main Results:
- An unacceptable failure rate was identified at early and medium-term stages.
- 15 out of 21 implants required revision surgery by the two-year mark.
- Implant loosening was the most frequent cause of failure.
Conclusions:
- The RM finger prosthesis exhibits a high failure rate, necessitating revision in a significant number of cases.
- The implant is not recommended for general use, particularly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Further investigation into implant design or surgical technique may be warranted.