title: [Mid-term outcome after implantation of a pyrocarbon endoprosthesis in patients with degenerative arthritis].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to make a mid-term evaluation of an unconstrained pyrocarbon prosthesis (Ascension®) in the treatment of idiopathic degenerative arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the hand.
  
  
  METHODS
  13 implants (10 patients) were clinically and radiologically studied after a follow-up period of 71 months (range: 48-92 months).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average ROM was 52° (± 27°STD). A luxation of the components did not occur and all implants are still in-situ. However, X-ray examination was unremarkable in only six fingers. In seven patients significant radiolucent lines (≥ 1 mm) were detected. Three prosthesis demonstrated axial subsidence and in one patient a loosening of the proximal component with axial rotation was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study show a high complication rate after an average of 6 years after implantation. Radiolucent lines in half of the cases may be explained by a lack of osteointegration of the prosthesis. The average ROM differs significantly from patient to patient, which has to be taken into account when discussing different treatment options.
authors.affiliation: Orthopädie, Universität Regensburg, Bad Abbach. g.heers@asklepios.com
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heers
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Telisselis
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Winkler
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grifka
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Borisch
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004047:Diethyl Pyrocarbonate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: C079227:pyrocarbonic acid; D004047:Diethyl Pyrocarbonate