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Updated: Mar 15, 2026
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A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
Published on: November 6, 2015
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[Linked Prosthesis for the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: 17-Year Long-Term Results].
J Gülke1, M Mentzel1, D Dornacher2
1Unfallchirurgie, Hand-, Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universitätsklinik Ulm, Ulm.
Handchirurgie, Mikrochirurgie, Plastische Chirurgie : Organ Der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Fur Handchirurgie : Organ Der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft Fur Mikrochirurgie Der Peripheren Nerven Und Gefasse : Organ Der V
|September 1, 2016
Summary
Long-term outcomes of proximal interphalangeal joint replacement show stability after seven years. Patients reported no pain and would repeat the surgery, indicating satisfaction with the DIGITOS prosthesis.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Hand surgery
- Joint replacement surgery
Background:
- Osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is a common condition requiring surgical intervention.
- The DIGITOS prosthesis is a hinged, piston-based implant used for PIP joint replacement.
- Previous 7-year follow-up data exists for patients who received the DIGITOS prosthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of proximal interphalangeal joint replacement using the DIGITOS prosthesis.
- To compare outcomes at 7 and 17 years post-surgery.
- To assess patient satisfaction and willingness to undergo the procedure again after 17 years.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 12 patients (15 prostheses) with an average follow-up of 17 years were assessed.
- Clinical evaluation included range of motion, extension lag, pain assessment, and the DASH score.
- Radiological examination assessed prosthesis position, radiolucent lines, and osteophytes.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in extension lag and flexion occurred within the first 7 years, with minimal changes thereafter.
- Radiolucent lines and periprosthetic osteophytes were observed by 4-5 years post-implantation, with no significant progression between 7 and 17 years.
- No patients reported pain, and all expressed willingness to undergo the surgery again.
Conclusions:
- The DIGITOS prosthesis demonstrates clinical and radiological stability between 7 and 17 years after proximal interphalangeal joint replacement.
- Significant improvements and changes occur within the first 7 years, stabilizing thereafter.
- Long-term patient satisfaction is high, with no reported pain and a willingness for repeat surgery.
