Radiography in joint reconstruction with perichondrial grafts

The radiographic findings in 13 joints successfully reconstructed with free perichondrial grafts from the rib are reported. Radiography was performed during a period of 13 to 40 months postoperatively. Definite cortical demarcation occurred after 8 to 11 months and had increased 11 to 16 months following surgery. In 3 cases the final examination of 2 metacarpophalangeal joints and one proximal interphalangeal joint was completed with arthrography which demonstrated that the articular surfaces appeared even although the cortical bone contours were somewhat irregular. The extent of the joint spaces largely resembled that in healthy controls.