Swanson proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

One hundred thirty-eight Swanson proximal interphalangeal replacements were implanted in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, of which 99 implants were available for average 5.8 years followup. Pain was severe in 1%, moderate in 4%, slight in 28%, and not present in 67%. The average preoperative active arc of motion was 38 degrees, and postoperative 29 degrees. Ten fractures were found, and were revised. Of 45 patients assessed, 45 (100%) reported the ability to feed themselves, 43 (96%) to button their clothes, and 42 (93%) to write. There was sclerosis of bone around 78% of the implants and resorption adjacent to 12% of the implants. Survivorship analysis showed that 81% of implants were not revised at 9 years.