Distal interphalangeal joint silicone interpositional arthroplasty of the hand

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Joint reconstruction

Background:

• Degenerative arthritis commonly affects the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint.
• Pain and loss of function are primary symptoms.
• Arthrodesis (joint fusion) is a common treatment, but results in loss of motion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of distal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty.
• To assess pain relief, range of motion, and implant survival.
• To compare outcomes with arthrodesis.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 38 distal interphalangeal joint arthroplasties using silicone implants.
• Average patient age was 58.3 years.
• Implants were in place for a mean of 10 years.

Main Results:

• The procedure effectively alleviated pain associated with degenerative arthritis.
• The average range of motion achieved was 33 degrees.
• Less than 10% of implants required removal, indicating good implant survival.

Conclusions:

• Distal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty is a viable alternative to arthrodesis.
• It offers the advantage of preserved motion while maintaining joint stability.
• Silicone interpositional arthroplasty provides durable pain relief and functional improvement.