Volar plate interposition arthroplasty for posttraumatic arthritis of the finger joints

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the results of volar plate interposition arthroplasty for posttraumatic arthritis in proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints.

Methods: Seven patients who had volar plate interposition arthroplasty performed by a single surgeon for posttraumatic arthritis in PIP joints or MCP joints were retrospectively reviewed after a minimum follow-up period of 2 years (average, 30 mo). Clinical assessments included the range of joint motion, joint alignment according to radiographs, stability under manual stress, and a visual analog pain scale. The results of clinical assessments at the final follow-up evaluation were compared with the preoperative values.

Results: The average arc of motion increased greatly from 11 degrees preoperatively to 75 degrees at the follow-up evaluation. The instability and pain of the preoperative joints were also well corrected after surgery. The final follow-up radiography showed the reduction of the operated joint. The visual analog pain scale improved from an average of 9 before surgery to 1 at the final evaluation, indicating positive subjective evaluation.

Conclusions: At the minimum 2-year follow-up, volar plate interposition arthroplasty provided satisfactory results in terms of pain relief and functional preservation for finger joints with posttraumatic arthritis. We suggest that volar plate interposition arthroplasty may be a good therapeutic option for posttraumatic arthritis in PIP joints or MCP joints.

Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.