Comparison of Swanson and Sutter metacarpophalangeal arthroplasties in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective and randomized trial

PURPOSE: To perform a prospective and randomized comparison of the clinical outcome of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had Swanson or Sutter implant replacement arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangeal joints. METHODS: There were 45 patients (3 men, 42 women) and 49 hands; a total of 75 Swanson and 99 Sutter implants were inserted. The mean time between surgery and the final follow-up control visit was 58 months (range, 37-80 mo). Preoperative and postoperative measurements were performed including active extension and flexion, correction of ulnar deviation, and strength. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between groups with regard to active extension deficit correction. Mean active flexion decreased less in the Sutter group than in the Swanson group but difference between the groups was statistically significant in only the index finger. At the final follow-up examination no significant differences existed between the groups in the correction of ulnar deviation or arc of motion. Grip strengths, chuck pinch, and thump-to-fingertip grip strengths did not improve in either of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study clinical results showed no significant difference between the groups with the single exception of the amount of index finger metacarpophalangeal joint flexion.     

侧方入路关节松解术治疗外伤性掌指关节僵硬

目的 介绍手外伤后掌指关节伸直位僵硬的临床分型,以及侧方入路关节松解术的临床疗效.方法 根据术前、术中检查,对非骨性原因引起的掌指关节僵硬进行分型:Ⅰ型,单纯侧副韧带挛缩;Ⅱ型,侧副韧带挛缩合并伸肌腱、关节囊粘连;Ⅲ型,Ⅱ型基础上合并掌板粘连;Ⅳ型,Ⅲ型基础上合并背侧皮肤较大面积致密瘢痕粘连.对15例(54指)保守治疗无效的Ⅱ～Ⅳ型掌指关节僵硬者,采用侧方入路关节松解术,术后3d内以掌指关节屈曲80°～90°位石膏固定,之后改为最大屈指位支具固定,并逐步开始功能训练.结果 术后13例(46指)获得8～30个月的随访(平均21个月),2例(8指)失访.掌指关节主动活动度恢复至70～90°者5例,50°～69°者8例,除1例轻微疼痛及1例小指轻度尺偏外,未发现伸肌腱滑脱及关节不稳定和退行性改变.结论 对于外伤后具备手术指证的非骨性因素掌指关节伸直位僵硬,准确判断僵硬的分型及选择相应的术式,是充分恢复掌指关节活动度的关键所在,而术后系列康复训练是手术成功的必要条件.     

Degenerative diseases of the metacarpophalangeal joints

Degenerative arthritis of the finger metacarpophalangeal joints is uncommon and, when seen, a specific etiology should be sought. MP joint arthritis in the absence of a history of trauma may signal an underlying systemic disease. The clinical and radiographic findings may be subtle. Once degenerative changes occur, the usual treatment is arthroplasty using a flexible silicone rubber (Swanson) finger joint implant that should provide a relatively stable and painless joint with a functional range of motion. Degenerative arthritis of the thumb MP joint is more common following injuries that damage the ligaments on the ulnar or radial side of the MP joint and which result in lateral instability of the joint. Arthritis of the MP joint also may occur following infection or direct joint injury. Secondary MP arthritis may result from thumb CMC joint disease and must be attended to at the time CMC joint reconstruction is performed. Degenerative disease of the thumb sesamoid bones must be considered in patients with persistent MP joint pain after either trauma or MP joint fusion.     

Endoprothetik an der Hand

In 1890, the German surgeon T. Gluck was the first to implant an ivory arthroplasty into a wrist which was being destroyed by tuberculosis. The finger joints were first replaced with endoprostheses in 1940 by Burman. Indications for the procedure are degenerative, posttraumatic or arthritis related destruction of the joints of the hand.Nowadays, several more or less comparable prosthetic designs are available. The replacement of single bones of the wrist has not been of lasting success. Occasionally, an indication for arthroplasty of the trapezium-metacarpal joint of the thumb may exist. The metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb should, in our experience, be fused when the need arises. Up until the present, the silastic spacer of Swanson for the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints has not shown any substantial development, although a variety of designs have been introduced. Questions related to the complicated biomechanics of these articulations in combination with problems concerning the material to be used, intraosseous fixation, the articulation of the prosthesis components and the design of the stems have not yet been solved convincingly.The Swanson spacers in mid- to long-term follow-ups show little active range of motion, although the subjective patient satisfaction is very high and the potential for removal at its best. We do not see an indication for arthroplasty in the distal interphalangeal finger joints.     

The influence of age and exercise on the mobility of hand joints: 1: Metacarpophalangeal joints of the three-phalangeal fingers

Mobility of metacarpophalangeal joints (MP) of the three-phalangeal fingers was measured in university students (52 males and 49 females), senior citizens (30 males and 30 females), and pianists (21 males and 31 females). We consider the student data file to be a control group with hand mobility unchanged by external influence. Extension, flexion, and total abduction in this group are greater in the left than the right hand. Only extensions were greater in females compared to males. In seniors, all types of studied movements are, with the exception of total abduction in females, lesser that in the control group. The difference is more apparent in males than in females. Intersexual difference showing better MP joint mobility in females than males is thus greater in seniors than in students; however, greater mobility of MP joints in left compared to right hand is less noticeable. Compared to students, pianists show greater finger abduction, and--less markedly--also passive and active extensions, while we did not notice difference in finger flexion. Intersexual difference in MP joint mobility in pianists were not recorded, and better mobility on the left hand compared to the right hand was evident only in dorso-palmar movements in males (the exception was total finger abduction, which is greater for the left hand in males as well as in females). In the three studied series we did not register differences in interfinger abduction between the left and right hand or between sexes. Active dorso-palmar MP joint range of motion is greatest in the little finger and smallest in the index finger, smallest in seniors and greatest in pianists. In all three groups, the range is greater in the left than the right hand and in females compared to males.     

Dynamic External Fixator as Treatment for Congenital Little Finger Contracture

The surgical soft tissue release of extension contracture at metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint is technically easy; however, the preventive hand therapy after surgery is really difficult in clinical practice. Congenital MP joint contracture, especially little finger, is also difficult to spread its limited range of motion (ROM). Here, we present a patient with a congenital MP joint contracture of the little finger managed with dynamic external fixator (DEF). A 21-year-old male irritated from limited ROM associated with pain of the right little finger of more than 1 year. The symptom started after trauma on his hand while playing lacrosse. Further examination revealed that his MP joint was congenitally contracted. To address this pathology, DEF followed by orthotic therapy was done. Two years after the procedure and therapy, the MP joint ROM of the finger surpassed that of the contralateral unaffected digit without pain and recurrence. The patient was able to return to his sports of lacrosse.     

Lumbrical function: interaction of lumbrical contraction with the elasticity of the extrinsic finger muscles and its effect on metacarpophalangeal equilibrium

Since conflicting statements have been made in the literature regarding the influence of lumbrical contraction on the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint, a study was undertaken to determine the length-tension curve for the index flexor profundus. Four fresh cadaver hands were used. Measurements for the flexor superficialis and for the common extensor were determined in there. The measurements were correlated with measured displacement of these tendons in six finger positions. Isolated lumbrical contraction was then mechanically simulated, acting against spring homologues of the index extrinsic muscles. The finger moved from the rest position toward the intrinsic position with loads of less than 5 N. This demonstrated that in addition to its effect on interphalangeal joint extension, the lumbrical acting alone can cause flexion of the metacarpophalangeal joint.     

Immediate silastic arthroplasty for non-salvageable intraarticular phalangeal fractures

Fourteen patients with open non-salvageable intraarticular fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint or metacarpophalangeal joint, underwent immediate silastic arthroplasty using Swanson H.P. hinged implants. The patients' ages ranged from 14 to 49 years, with an average of 29 years. Time from surgery to final examination ranged from 4 months to 6 years, with an average of 26 months. The active range of motion obtained at the metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasties ranged from 45 to 80 degrees, with an average of 60 degrees. The active range of motion obtained at the proximal interphalangeal joint arthroplasties ranged from 0 to 70 degrees, with an average of 29 degrees. Better results were generally obtained at the metacarpophalangeal level, and in those arthroplasties performed in non-amputated digits. There were no post-operative infections and all but one joint were stable.     

Computer model analysis of the Swanson and Sutter metacarpophalangeal joint implants

A representative model which mimics the behaviour of Silastic finger metacarpophalangeal joint implants was constructed using a finite element software package. The modelled implants were moved through a range of flexion, lateral deviation and a combination of both. Pistoning of both implants stems occurred within the modelled medullary cavities. For equivalent flexion angles, the Sutter implant produced a higher stress field than the Swanson implant, and the field was positioned at the central hinge mechanism. In both implants, lateral deviation increased the internal stress concentrations more than when pure flexion was applied. Overall the Swanson style of implant had lower stress magnitudes than the Sutter implant, and it is predicted that the Sutter implant will be more likely to fail than the Swanson. The failure mode for the Sutter implant would be at the central hinge region. The Swanson implant is likely to fail at the central hinge-stem interface regions.     

A comparative study of outcome between the Neuflex and Swanson metacarpophalangeal joint replacements

This prospective double blind trial compares the clinical findings of Swanson and Neuflex metacarpophalangeal joint replacements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, up to 2 years follow-up. There were 37 joints (10 patients) in the Swanson group and 40 joints (12 patients) in the Neuflex group. Assessments of range of movement, grip strength and hand function were undertaken in a double blind fashion, pre-operatively and up to 2 years following implantation. The mean and standard deviation of the data were calculated. A two-tailed student's t-test was used when comparing groups of data. An X-ray analysis was also undertaken to identify any implant failure. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to flexion and extension before surgery. At follow-up there was also no significant difference in the extensor lag, with mean extension lags of 19 degrees and 16 degrees for the Swanson and Neuflex implants, respectively. However, there was a significant difference in flexion, with mean active flexion values of 59 degrees and 72 degrees for the Swanson and Neuflex implants, respectively. There were no differences between the two groups in respect to arc of metacarpophalangeal joint motion, ulnar deviation, grip strength or the SODA function test at follow-up. At this early stage there was no evidence of any case of implant failure. In conclusion, patients who underwent Neuflex metacarpophalangeal joint replacements obtained greater flexion than those who underwent a Swanson replacement.     

Primary Swanson metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty in major hand traumas. A report of two cases at 14 years follow-up

In major hand injuries, destroyed joints may be treated by joint transfer, arthroplasty or fusion with or without temporary external fixation. Four immediate digital metacarpophalangeal joint Swanson implants in two patients with amputation or devascularizated near-amputation were reviewed with a 14 years follow-up. No infection was noted. Prostheses were stable with a 31 degrees active range of motion and grip strength was 42% of the opposite side. Functional results were "useful" with patients satisfaction. In one patient, heavy manual worker, implants were replaced fourteen years after trauma because of recent pain on one joint and implants fragmentation. The other patient was painless. Immediate Swanson arthroplasty in major hand injuries may be an alternative in metacarpophalangeal joints destruction.     

Metacarpophalangeal joint implant arthroplasty with a Silastic spacer

We evaluated Silastic implant arthroplasty in the metacarpophalangeal joints of rheumatoid patients by a prospective analysis of the cases of twenty-eight patients. One hundred and fifteen such implants were followed for an average of fifty-four months (range, twenty-four to 125 months). The postoperative active motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint averaged 43 degrees, from 13 degrees of extension to 56 degrees of flexion. The average range of active motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint increased 17 degrees over preoperative values. Ulnar drift recurred in forty-nine fingers (43 per cent), and fracture of the spacer occurred in twenty-four joints (21 per cent). The sites of three spacers became infected, and treatment required the amputation of one finger. Preoperative and postoperative key pinch and grip strengths were unchanged. Patient satisfaction was high; twenty patients (71 per cent) experienced significant pain relief, nineteen patients (68 per cent) felt that they had much better hand function, and twenty-three patients (82 per cent) thought that the cosmetic appearance of the hand was improved.     

Management of the traumatized joint of the finger

Selection of the reconstructive technique for the traumatized joint requires a careful consideration of the condition of the injured and adjacent joints, the needs and desires of the patient, and an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the available options. The MP joint is the key to a useful arc of motion, providing 77 per cent of the total arc of flexion. Every effort should be made to preserve its maximum pain-free movement. PIP joint motion, although important in maintaining grip strength, can more readily be sacrificed to provide stability when MP joint motion is normal. Arthrodesis provides a pain-free stable joint with a sacrifice of motion. It may be indicated in young patients in whom heavy loading is likely; in joints with a fixed, painful deformity, instability, or loss of motor; and in the salvage of failed implant arthroplasty. Arthrodesis is generally contraindicated where physes are open. PIP joint arthrodesis is well tolerated in the index finger with minimal morbidity. Motion of MP joints and PIP joints of the long, ring, and small fingers, however, should be preserved using other techniques when possible. Resection arthroplasty may be useful in selected cases of post-traumatic arthroplasty where other treatment techniques are not available. Soft tissue interposition techniques are useful in specific cases. Eaton volar plate arthroplasty provides good results where 50 per cent of the articular surface is preserved. The technique, however, requires precision to avoid rotational malalignment. Perichondrial resurfacing provides a reasonable alternative in patients younger than 40 years of age who have a relatively well maintained joint contour, preferably involving a single joint surface. Prior infection is a relative contraindication. MP joints generally produce better results than PIP joints. Swanson interposition arthroplasty remains the most widely accepted implant technique, providing improved stability and earlier motion than simple resection arthroplasty. Reported arcs of motion range from a minimum of 29 degrees to a maximum of 85 degrees, with results generally better for MP than for PIP joints. Complications are common and include implant fracture, lateral instability of the PIP joint, and, occasionally, synovitis. Patient satisfaction, however, has been consistently reported as high. The use of Swanson arthroplasty in acute cases remains controversial, although several authors report favorable results. Silicone arthroplasty is contraindicated in joints with open physes. Allograft small joint reconstruction provides replacement bone and articular surface without donor site morbidity. Experience with the technique, however, has been limited. Increasing concern over the transmission of infectious diseases may make this option less desirable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Differential splintage for flexor tendon rehabilitation: an experimental study of its effect on finger flexion strength

We conducted laboratory tests to investigate the possibility of partly de-powering flexor digitorum profundus with a view of reducing flexion force during active flexor tendon rehabilitation. We constructed a splint and applied tapes to the proximal segments of fingers to test the hypothesis that holding three fingers more extended than the other finger would reduce the flexion strength of the more flexed finger. The splint allowed the metacarpophalangeal joint of the more flexed finger to be held in three positions of increasing flexion (15 degrees , 30 degrees , and 45 degrees ) compared to the remaining three fingers. We have called this 'differential splintage'. Healthy volunteers were tested for maximum active flexion strength at the different flexion angles. 'Differential splintage' of up to 45 degrees resulted in mean decreased flexion strength of 28% in the index finger and 35% to 38% in the middle, ring and little fingers. The results suggest that "differential splintage" of a finger after flexor tendon repair may be useful in reducing tension across the repair during a program of active tendon rehabilitation and we feel that it has potential to reduce the incidence of repair rupture before healing is complete.     

Digital ranges of motion: normal values in young adults

Analysis of the range of motion of fingers was done in young (eighteen to thirty-five year old) adult volunteers with no history of previous injury to their hands. The data show that there are slight differences between the individual digits. Notably, metacarpophalangeal flexion and total active motion increase linearly in proceeding from the index to the small finger. There were also minor differences in comparing sexes. Women have greater extension at the metacarpophalangeal joint in both active and passive motion and have a greater total active motion at all digits as a result. A significant tenodesis effect was found at the distal interphalangeal joint in normal subjects. No differences were found that could be attributable to handedness.     

Alumina ceramic prosthesis arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangeal joint in the rheumatoid hand. A 2-4-year follow-up study

Swanson's finger implant is being widely used to improve deformity of the thumb and finger and to restore function in the rheumatoid hand. Breakage of the implant and implant synovitis have been the most troublesome complications. The authors developed an alumina ceramic finger prosthesis to lessen these complications. This prosthesis was used for the metacarpophalangeal joint in 5 cases of flexion deformity of the thumb and in 21 cases (82 digits) with ulnar drift deformity. These cases were followed for 24-62 months (average, 38 months). Postoperative extension of the thumb was limited to 18 degrees and flexion was 48 degrees, on average. Postoperative range of motion was 30 degrees. The average limitation of extension of all digits was 18 degrees, and the average flexion was 54.5 degrees. The average range of motion was 36.5 degrees. Flexion deformity of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb disappeared after operation, and ulnar drift was reduced to less than 10 degrees deviation in 87.8%. No dislocation or fracture of the prosthesis has been found on roentgenologic examination during short-term follow-up study. This prosthesis is useful for reducing deformity of the thumb and the finger in the rheumatoid hand. Postoperative extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint, however, has been unsatisfactory. The design of the prosthesis should be improved so that the rotational center of the metacarpophalangeal joint is located palmarly.     

Vertical locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger: A case report

Locking of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint is commonly caused by hyperextension of the thumb or moderate flexion of the index or middle finger. We report a rare case of vertical locking of the MCP joint of the little finger in a 16-year old female after blunt trauma to the little finger. The MCP joint was locked when positioned at approximately 90-degree-flexion and could not extend actively or passively. A manual reduction was easily achieved and no immobilization was applied. Vertical locking of the MCP joint can be easily reduced, and immobilization is unnecessary after reduction. Correct diagnosis prior to reduction and differentiation from other types of locking are essential to prevent overtreatment.     

Metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis: results of Swanson implants and digital joint operative arthroplasty

We discuss 69 metacarpophalangeal (MP) implant arthroplasties performed in 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The follow-up averaged 5 years. We studied 19 finger joint prostheses by Condamine, digital joint operative arthroplasty (stabilized version; DJOA) and 50 flexible silicone Swanson implants. We used a new comprehensive scoring system to evaluate the MP alloarthroplasties. Such a scoring system incorporates clinical and radiological data. The outcome following MP joint replacement with DJOA was never evaluated as ‘good’; in 11 joints the result was ‘fair’, and in 8 joints, ‘poor’. As regards MP arthroplasty with Swanson implants, the results were evaluated as ‘good’ in 40 joints, as ‘fair’ in 10 joints, and in none as ‘poor’. In our series, DJOA did not provide stability in arthritic MP joints. In all joints replaced with DJOA, dislocation of the articulating surfaces and signs of loosening were present. We regard three factors as being the main causes contributing to the poor outcome of DJOA when used as MP replacements. Firstly, the proximal prosthetic component is poorly matched to the anatomical shape of the metacarpal bone (conisation of the bone). Secondly, adequate coaptation cannot be achieved with this prosthetic design, even in the presence of extensive soft-tissue reconstruction. Thirdly, the use of polyethylene in MP joint replacements is questionable. In contrast, the silicone Swanson implants in our series provided superior results when used as MP implants in the rheumatoid hand. Received: 13 March 1998     

A comparison of metacarpophalangeal joint silastic arthroplasty with or without crossed intrinsic transfer

Forty-three hands in 36 adults undergoing Silastic interposition arthroplasty of the index, middle, ring and little finger metacarpophalangeal joints for rheumatoid arthritis were randomly allocated to undergo replacement with or without crossed intrinsic transfer. The patients were reviewed at a median of 17 (range, 7-50) months after surgery. The demographic characteristics and pre-operative clinical measurements of the two groups were indistinguishable. Both groups showed improvement in ulnar drift and an altered arc, but no change in total range of motion at the metacarpophalangeal joints. Grip strength and pulp to pulp pinch were significantly and comparably improved in both groups. There was no difference in pain scores or perceived function between the treatment groups. It is concluded that crossed intrinsic transfer does not significantly affect the outcome of Silastic interposition arthroplasty of the metacarpophalangeal joints in rheumatoid patients.     

Joint reconstruction following trauma: Comparison of microsurgical transfer and conventional methods: A report of 61 cases

Joint reconstruction at the metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal levels remains a difficult problem in hand surgery. The authors reviewed sixty-one joints reconstructed acutely or electively allowing to compare Swanson spacer (30 joints), interpositional arthroplasty (4), non vascularized joint transfer (5) and vascularized joint transfer (21). Among these, two different techniques have been used: island compound transfer from a finger bank (10) and free vascularized transfer from the second toe (10) or from a non replantable finger (1). It is not worth while comparing different techniques applied to different indications. The only point which can be stressed is the better average range of movement of metacarpophalangeal reconstruction compared to that obtained at the proximal interphalangeal level.