Determinants of long-term satisfaction after silicone MCP arthroplasty in patients with inflammatory diseases

The aim was to identify determinants of satisfaction in patients with inflammatory diseases who underwent hand reconstruction using silicone metacarpophalangeal (MCP) arthroplasty. We hypothesized that patients taking biologic drugs would be more satisfied with the outcome. Patients who underwent silicone arthroplasty and had a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. Patients rated their satisfaction with the treatment result and hand appearance on a 5-point Likert scale with a score of 5 indicating "very satisfied" and 1 indicating "very dissatisfied" and completed the brief Michigan Hand Outcomes questionnaire (MHQ). MCP range of motion (ROM), ulnar drift and grip strength were measured. Ordered logistic regression modelling and the Mann-Whitney U test were used. Forty-one patients with 118 operated fingers were available for follow-up at an average of 5.6 years after surgery. Patients were satisfied with the overall treatment result (score 4.4; SD 0.8), but only somewhat satisfied (score 3.3; SD 1.5) with their hand's appearance. Total MCP ROM was 61° (SD 21) with an ulnar deviation of 10° (SD 14). Appearance and ulnar deviation were significant determinants of satisfaction (R²=0.35). There was no difference in outcomes between patients using biologics and those who were not. Our hypothesis that patients taking biologics are more satisfied after surgery could not be proven. Hand appearance and ulnar drift are the most important determinants of satisfaction after reconstruction of MCP deformity.