Interpositional Arthroplasty Using Mammary Capsule for Finger Joints: A Novel Technique

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Rheumatology
• Hand Surgery

Background:

• Degenerative osteoarthritis commonly affects hand joints, impacting function.
• Surgical options include arthrodesis and arthroplasty for severe cases.
• Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint involvement is frequent and debilitating.

Observation:

• A patient with severe PIP joint osteoarthritis received a silicone implant in the right index finger, which later fractured.
• The patient subsequently underwent interposition arthroplasty using a mammary implant capsule for the left index and middle PIP joints.
• Postoperative progression was monitored for both silicone implant and mammary capsule interposition arthroplasty.

Findings:

• The mammary capsule interposition arthroplasty maintained stable articular function and good range of motion over time.
• In contrast, range of motion in untreated osteoarthritic fingers progressively reduced.
• Silicone implant arthroplasty in the right index finger required replacement due to fracture after 8 years.

Implications:

• Mammary capsule interposition arthroplasty presents a viable, stable, and motion-preserving surgical option for hand osteoarthritis.
• This novel technique warrants consideration, particularly for patients with degenerative PIP joint disease.
• Further research into the long-term efficacy and patient selection for capsular arthroplasty is recommended.