title: Conversion of a ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis to arthroplasty: a case report.
abstract: This case report presents the conversion of a ring finger metacarpophalangeal joint arthrodesis to arthroplasty, using a pyrocarbon implant. The patient sought a conversion secondary to poor grip strength and inability to perform basic tasks in his job with the Marine Corps. Three months after surgery he had a stable joint and a 50% increase in grip strength.
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Service, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, TX 79920-5001, USA. vincent.battista@amedd.army.mil <vincent.battista@amedd.army.mil>
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Battista
authors.forename: Uel
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Hansen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D050806:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Finger; D002244:Carbon; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000601:surgery; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008889:Military Personnel; D012086:Reoperation
chemical_list: C009139:pyrolytic carbon; D002244:Carbon