title: A prospective randomized comparison of Sutter and Swanson silastic spacers.
abstract: This study compares two currently available prostheses for the reconstruction of rheumatoid joints. A single operator performed 72 resection arthroplasties with Swanson or Sutter prostheses being randomly allocated. Assessment of each patient was carried out preoperatively, and at 6 months and 12 months postoperatively by a single investigator. In the Swanson group an improvement of the flexion arc was seen, from 29 degrees to 44 degrees at 6 months but this reduced to 36 degrees at 12 months. In the Sutter group there was no significant difference between flexion arcs pre- and postoperatively. Grip strength improved in the Swanson group, but not in the Sutter group. Extensor lag was improved in both groups. Patient satisfaction measured by linear analogue scales for pain, function and deformity was high in both groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: McArthur
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Milner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery*; D019643:Arthroplasty, Replacement / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000601:surgery; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D012826:Silicone Elastomers