Post-Operative Contracture of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint after Surface Replacement Arthroplasty Using a Volar...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Arthroplasty research
• Complication analysis

Background:

• Postoperative contracture is a significant complication of surface replacement arthroplasty (SRA).
• Contracture can manifest early due to mechanical issues or late as a decline in range of motion (ROM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate risk factors for early and tardy contracture following SRA.
• To analyze radiographic findings associated with contracture.
• To review the outcomes of revision surgeries for contracture.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 15 finger SRA cases with contracture (ROM < 35 degrees).
• Cases categorized into early and tardy contracture groups.
• Radiographic assessment of characteristic findings and review of surgical interventions.

Main Results:

• Intra-operative fracture or fragility of the central slip insertion was linked to early contracture in three cases.
• Five cases developed tardy contracture, with significant ROM decline over time.
• Osteophyte formation on the volar aspect of the proximal head component was observed in tardy contracture cases.

Conclusions:

• Intra-operative fracture/fragility of the central slip insertion is a risk factor for SRA contracture.
• Osteophyte formation can lead to progressive ROM deterioration in the PIP joint post-SRA.