Volar Plate Interposition Arthroplasty of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: A Novel, Modified Malerich's Technique

The choice of prosthetic or autologous reconstruction for proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthroplasty in degenerative osteoarthritis represents a challenge for hand surgeons, especially in consideration of complications and patient's quality of life. We report the case of a 49-year-old woman who developed diffuse arthritis of the finger joints, especially at the PIP joint of the third right finger. Radiographs showed destruction of the PIP joint, large osteophytes, marked narrowing of joint space, severe sclerosis, and deformation of bone contour. Through a volar approach, we removed the osteophytes, reshaped the joint, and performed an arthroplasty with volar plate interposition. The patient had an improved range of motion at 3 months postoperatively. This case study gives a detailed description and discussion, together with literature revision, of volar plate interposition arthroplasty to treat PIP osteoarthritis, as an alternative to other methods.