title: Alternative to the distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis: lateral approach and plate fixation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Several fixation techniques for distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint arthrodesis have been described, with good clinical results and complication rates between 10% and 20%. We propose an alternative technique and fixation method using a lateral approach and 1.3-mm plate and screws fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between March and September 2005, 11 patients, totaling 15 fingers, had DIP joint arthrodesis by the described technique. The indications were posttraumatic arthritis in 8 fingers, degenerative or rheumatoid arthritis in 5 fingers, and isolated flexor digitorum profundus tendon lesions in 2 fingers. Patients were analyzed for osseus union, pain relief, and functional mobility of the finger.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Arthrodesis relieved pain and restored stability at the 12th week, on average, with osseous union in all patients. All patients maintained full proximal interphalangeal joint motion with pulp-to-palm distance of zero at 6 months of follow-up evaluation. There were no rotational or angular deformities, nail bed lesions, or skin complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lateral approach with plate and screws fixation is an option for DIP joint arthrodesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic IV.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo Andre, SP, Brazil. mantaray2@uol.com.br
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mantovani
authors.forename: Walter Y
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Fukushima
authors.forename: Alvaro Baik
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.forename: Marcio A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Aita
authors.forename: Waldo
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Lino
authors.forename: Fabiano Nunes
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Faria
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome