title: Long-term results of digital arthrodesis with the Harrison-Nicolle peg.
abstract: This study determined the long-term success of digital arthrodesis with the Harrison-Nicolle peg. We reviewed 90 digital joints in 60 patients fused with the peg between 1986 and 1998 at a mean follow-up of 6 (range 2-11) years. The prime indication for surgery was rheumatoid arthritis. The early complication rate was 8%. At 1 month 89% of joints were pain-free and stable. In the long-term follow up, 96% of the joints were pain-free and stable, with the original angle of fusion. 85% achieved bony fusion, with no clinical difference between bony and fibrous fusion. Overall there was a significantly higher complication rate in the distal interphalangeal joint. We conclude that, with the exception of the distal interphalangeal joint, the Harrison-Nicolle peg is extremely effective for digital arthrodesis in the rheumatoid patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, UK. sabbaghwalid@hotmail.com
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sabbagh
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Grobbelaar
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Harrison
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D012189:Retrospective Studies