title: [Experiences with the alloplastic joint prosthesis of the interphalangeal joint].
abstract: The replacement of finger joints, especially of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP), remains an unsolved problem. Long-term results of conventional reconstructive procedures as well as previously available artificial joint implants have been disappointing. In a controlled study, 12 PIP-joints were replaced by a new type of total endoprosthesis as an alternative to joint fusion. The cementless prosthesis is unhinged and consists of metal joint surfaces. After a follow-up of 18 months, implantation of this metal prosthesis resulted in almost complete pain relief and an active range of movement of 58 degrees. The absolute gain in mobility, however, was only 6 degrees. A swan-neck deformity was found in nine out of 12 cases but corrective surgery was not required. The proximal half of the implant had to be exchanged in two cases due to loosening. All patients were satisfied with the result. The disparity between subjective acceptance by the patients, who clearly prefer joint replacement to fusion, and objective results demonstrates the necessity for further development in this field. The type of prosthesis used in this study seems to be a useful baseline tool which could be turned into a ingenious PIP-joint replacement by further development aiming at reduced abrasion, increased initial stability, a more individual configuration, to name just a few goals.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Plastische, Hand-, Kiefer- und Rekonstruktive Mikrochirurgie, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Murnau.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ishida
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Baumgärtler
mesh_terms: D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation