Osseointegrated silicone implants for joint reconstruction after septic arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint: a 10-year follow-up.

Seven men mean age 37 years (range 24-45) who had destroyed metacarpophalangeal joints as a result of pyogenic infection underwent reconstruction of the joint with osseointegrated silicone implants. The interval from infection to reconstruction varied from 5 months to 13 years. At mean follow-up 10 (8-12) years postoperatively the titanium fixtures were all well osseointegrated. The silicone spacer had fractured in one case. The extension lag was 16 (10-20) degrees and the range of movement (ROM) 34 (30-40) degrees. Our data confirm previous observations about the successful long-term osseointegration of titanium fixtures used for the attachment of joint prostheses in the hands of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. We conclude that titanium fixtures can be used successfully to fix joint mechanisms for reconstruction of small joints after pyogenous arthritis of the hand and can be used for fixation of joint mechanisms in such cases.