title: Arthrodesis of Little Finger Distal Interphalangeal Joint in Flexion to Regain Sporting Ability.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Finger injuries are common in the sport of hurling. Injury to the little finger distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) often occurs when a high dropping ball impacts on the outstretched finger. The little finger contributes to approximately 15% of grip strength. Injury therefore results in reduced grip strength and may impair the ability of players to grip or catch a ball.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six elite hurlers with post-traumatic arthritis of their non-dominant little finger DIPJ underwent arthrodesis in 30 degrees of flexion. Kirchner wires were inserted for up to 8 weeks to achieve fusion of the joint. Patients were evaluated after recovery using a dynamometer to assess grip strength, the DASH questionnaire and a sport specific questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All arthrodeses achieved bony union without complication. All patients reported a resolution of their pain and recovery in their ability to catch & retain a ball. Measurements of grip strengths were comparable between hands. DASH scores improved by up to 47 points. All scores were less than 5 at final follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Grip strength decreases when fingers are immobilized in full extension. In sports that require catching or gripping a ball or a bat, arthrodesis of the DIP joint in flexion can improve grip strength and hand function. Fusion in 30 degrees of flexion for hurlers results in restoration of function and resolution of pain. Little finger DIPJ arthrodesis is a valid method of treating posttraumatic arthritis in ball and bat sports.
authors.affiliation: * Department of Hand & Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Beecher
authors.affiliation: * Department of Hand & Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: O'Briain
authors.affiliation: * Department of Hand & Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.affiliation: * Department of Hand & Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.affiliation: * Department of Hand & Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000379:methods*; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Arthritis; Arthrodesis; DIPJ; Distal interphalangeal joint; Fusion; Little finger