Volar plate interposition arthroplasty for posttraumatic arthritis of the finger joints.

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.