Foreign body reaction after trapeziectomy and Dacron interposition

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients who were treated with trapeziectomy and Dacron interposition in our hospital and to describe the incidence of foreign body reactions. Between 2004 and 2010, 10 women with trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis underwent Dacron interpositional arthroplasty. One patient had surgery in both hands. Implants were removed in two patients, 5 and 8 years postoperatively. Histological analysis confirmed the presence of a foreign body reaction with giant cells in both cases. At a mean follow-up of 9 years, seven patients with the implant still in place were available for review and clinical examination. Mean DASH score was 32 and mean VAS for pain and satisfaction was 1.6 and 8.8, respectively. Mean grip strength was 11.4kg and mean key pinch strength was 1.5kg. Recent radiographs were available in nine hands. Seven out of nine hands had radiological signs of a foreign body reaction with bone erosion. A severe reaction occurred in three patients. We no longer use the Dacron implant and recommend careful monitoring of all patients in whom this implant has been used.