title: Link arthroplasty of the metacarpo-phalangeal joints. A preliminary report of a new method.
abstract: Link arthroplasty is a system of joint replacement in which the joint is left almost intact with no great removal of bone. It is based on a two-piece self-locking hinge slotted into the metacarpal head and phalangeal shaft. The operation is simple and no special instruments are needed. The preliminary follow-up of fifty-four metacarpo-phalangeal joint replacements showed thirty-five good and sixteen fair results.
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D001843:Bone Cements; D005384:Finger Joint; D005385:Fingers / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care
chemical_list: D001843:Bone Cements