Metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty eleven year follow-up study

During a period from April, 1972 to May, 1983, 339 Swanson silastic implants were implanted in eighty-two hands of fifty-five patients. A follow-up study was performed to evaluate the long-term function of these implants. Our follow-up study indicates that metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty can relieve pain, correct deformity, improve appearance and improve hand function by providing functional motion and stability. Few long-term problems were noted and the functional benefits gained by surgery decreased little with time. Patient satisfaction was high.