StayFuse for proximal interphalangeal joint fusion

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Podiatric Surgery

Background:

• Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion is a common surgical treatment for lesser-toe deformities.
• Various surgical techniques exist for PIP joint fusion.
• Intramedullary fusion devices offer a potential solution for PIP joint arthrodesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion using an intramedullary fusion device.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of the StayFuse implant for lesser-toe PIP joint arthrodesis.
• To determine patient satisfaction and complication rates associated with this PIP joint fusion technique.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series included 150 lesser toes in 140 patients undergoing PIP joint fusion with a StayFuse implant.
• Mean patient age was 69.5 years, with a mean follow-up of 18 months.
• Evaluations included clinical, radiologic, subjective assessments, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores.

Main Results:

• 95.3% of PIP joints were clinically asymptomatic, with a 73% radiologic fusion rate.
• Mean AOFAS scores improved significantly from 22.9 preoperatively to 81.6 postoperatively.
• Patient satisfaction was high (95%), with a low revision surgery rate (3.3%) and 8 implant-related complications.

Conclusions:

• The intramedullary fusion device technique effectively maintains PIP joint alignment and provides stability.
• This method offers high patient satisfaction with low complication and reoperation rates.
• The use of an intramedullary device is a reproducible and viable alternative for PIP joint fusions.