One-stage Distal Interphalangeal Joint Fusion With External Fixator for the Treatment of Septic Joint Arthritis

Septic joint arthritis in the small joints of the hand can be caused by penetrating trauma, ruptured ganglion cysts, or open joint dislocations, among others. The use of external fixation for the treatment of this condition has been reported in the past as a means of temporary joint distraction, or for secondary fusion procedures. In the present article, the authors describe a surgical technique involving the use of a low-cost external fixator for the primary arthrodesis of infected distal interphalangeal joints of the hand. The external fixator is fabricated with simple materials, threaded Kirshner wires, bone cement, and an insulin syringe, which the authors have used to fuse the distal interphalangeal joint primarily when destroyed by septic arthritis.