A Simple Method of Intramedullary Fixation for Proximal Interphalangeal Arthrodesis

Lesser digital arthrodesis has become one of the most widely used techniques in foot and ankle surgery. When performing digital arthrodesis, surgeons have an abundance of options for implantable devices. We provide information on a simple method of achieving successful arthrodesis. An intramedullary Kirschner wire is implanted into the proximal phalanx with the intermediate phalanx compressed over the wire for rigid internal fixation to avoid the use of an external device. We have had results similar to those from the published data of more expensive implants.     

Factors Associated with Reoperation after Pyrocarbon Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty for the Arthritic Joint: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Introduction  The rate of reoperation after pyrocarbon proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthroplasty ranges from 5.9 to 37% and complications such as radiographic loosening, deformity, dislocation, and stiffness are common. Because of the limited amount of knowledge around these problems, we evaluated factors associated with reoperation after pyrocarbon PIP arthroplasty. Materials and Methods  We retrospectively included all adult patients that underwent primary PIP pyrocarbon implant arthroplasty between 2002 and 2016 at one institutional system. A total of 45 patients, with a mean age of 55 (standard deviation: 14), underwent 66 PIP arthroplasties. To address for within individual correlations, we only included fingers treated at patients’ initial surgery ( n = 54) in our statistical analysis. These patients were predominantly diagnosed with noninflammatory arthritis 73% ( n = 33). Arthroplasty was performed upon 10 index, 22 middle, 20 ring, and 2 small fingers. Results  The reoperation rate after pyrocarbon PIP arthroplasty was 30% over a median follow-up of 25 months (interquartile range: 8.7–54). Indications for reoperation consisted of subluxation ( n = 6), stiffness ( n = 5), swan-neck deformity ( n = 3), and soft tissue complications ( n = 2). Younger age ( p = 0.025), male sex ( p = 0.017), and noninflammatory arthritis ( p = 0.038) were associated with a higher reoperation rate. Conclusion  In this study, our reoperation rate after pyrocarbon PIP arthroplasty was 30%. This study suggested that younger patients, males, and patients with noninflammatory arthritis are at higher risk of reoperation. We recommend considering these factors when selecting candidates for pyrocarbon arthroplasty. Future studies should focus on prospectively researching these factors in comparison with other implants.