A New Proximal Dorsal Approach for DIP Arthroplasty

Degenerative changes of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints can be painful, disabling, and disfiguring. Swanson spacers can be used for DIP arthroplasty. The standard approach for Swanson spacer implantation at the DIP joint involves transecting the extensor tendon close to its insertion, which necessitates a 6-week period of postoperative immobilization. Another DIP approach involves sparing the extensor tendons, as already published. Both techniques lead to a similar range of motion of the replaced DIP joints. We present a novel approach for DIP joint arthroplasty with division of the extensor tendon in zone 2 with only 2 weeks of postoperative immobilization. Optimizing the motion-preserving operative approaches is of value to our high-demand patients. Postoperative results do not differ from the postoperative range of motion published in the literature for both tendon-sparing and standard approaches. But our approach is technically easy and requires a significantly shorter time of immobilization.