title: Proximal interphalangeal joint replacement with an unconstrained pyrocarbon prosthesis (Ascension(R)): a long-term follow-up.
abstract: There have been limited publications that report long-term outcomes of pyrocarbon implants. This report describes both clinical and radiographic long-term results for patients who have been treated with pyrocarbon proximal interphalangeal implants. Thirteen implants in ten patients are reported for an average follow-up of 8.3 years (range 6.2-9.3). All patients were suffering from degenerative joint disease. Five of the 13 digits were free of pain, the remaining eight digits had mild to moderate pain (visual analogue scale 2-5). The average active range of motion was 58° (SD 19°) at latest examination. X-ray results were unremarkable in six digits with an acceptable position of the prosthesis. However, in seven patients significant radiolucent lines (≥ 1 mm) were observed. Three prostheses demonstrated a migration of the proximal component, and one a subsidence of the distal component. Our study does not support the use of this implant for treatment of osteoarthritis of the finger joint owing to high complication rates and limited range of motion.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopedics, University of Regensburg, Asklepios Klinikum Bad Abbach, Bad Abbach, Germany. GHeers@t-online.de
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heers
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Springorum
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Baier
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Götz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Grifka
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Renkawitz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D050806:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Finger / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002244:Carbon; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D064232:Visual Analog Scale
chemical_list: C009139:pyrolytic carbon; D002244:Carbon