Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2025

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Through HR-pQCT Imaging Analysis
Published on: October 6, 2023
A Painful, Squeaking Pyrolytic Carbon Metacarpophalangeal Joint Replacement
Katherine M Rashid1, Matt Meade2, Amy Meyers3
1Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI.
Abstract:
Metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint arthroplasty with pyrolytic carbon implants is a common procedure that is performed to alleviate pain from arthritis. The material properties of pyrolytic carbon are discussed with regard to their efficacy in MCP joint arthroplasty. We report a case of a painful, squeaking MCP joint arthroplasty treated with revision arthroplasty. Squeaking is a rare complication of MCP joint arthroplasty and is usually asymptomatic with spontaneous resolution. However, in this case, the squeaking was persistent and likely related to intraoperative findings of implant subsidence, debris, wear, and an incongruent joint. We also see in this case that the revision pyrolytic carbon MCP arthroplasty underwent subsidence within 2 years of revision surgery and ultimately was revised to a silicone MCP arthroplasty.
Related Concept Videos
Knee Joint
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris...
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
Structural Joints: Synovial Joints
Ankle Joint

