Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty - A Systematic Review.

Background: Arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) can result in significant functional limitations and pain. While arthrodesis is the most common surgical intervention, this can decrease grip strength and have other limitations. DIPJ arthroplasty may be an appealing alternative in select patient with this study aiming to review the outcomes of this procedure. Methods: A search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Embase and Ovid Medline from date of inception to April 2022. Relevant studies were included if they reported on complications and functional outcomes of DIPJ arthroplasty. Data was then extracted and analysed. Results: Seven studies were included including 171 patients with 269 digits. The mean age was 62.1 years, with 81% of the cohort being female. The indication for surgery was osteoarthritis in 97% of patients. Surgical approaches varied from dorsal transverse, dorsal T-incision, dorsal H-incision to radial incisions. A silicone implant was used in all patients. A total of 97.7% of patients were satisfied with their outcome, and pain improved or eliminated in all patients where it was reported. Joint stability was noted in 97.4% of cases. The mean preoperative DIPJ range of motion was 24° and improved to 36° post-operation. The mean preoperative extensor lag was 24° and reduced to 13° post operation. The rate of re-operation was 7.1%. Conclusions: DIPJ arthroplasty may be a viable alternative to arthrodesis in certain settings, providing high patient satisfaction, improvements in digital range of motion and relief of pain. However, the available literature is sparse, and limited by low-quality studies and heterogenous outcome reporting. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Proximal Trapezoidectomy and Scaphotrapezoid Joint Tendon Interposition at the Time of Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition for Pan Trapezial Osteoarthritis Does Not Increase Proximal Carpal Row Malalignment.

Background Surgical options for osteoarthritis (OA) of the first carpometacarpal include excision, replacement arthroplasty, and arthrodesis. However, in pan trapezial OA, optimal management of residual scaphotrapezoidal articulation has remained unclear. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether removing the proximal trapezoid from the scaphotrapezoid joint (STJ) and interposing tendon when performing a ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) for pan trapezial arthritis resulted in any clinical or radiographic compromise compared with LRTI alone in isolated carpometacarpal joint arthritis. Methods In a prospective consecutive cohort, 122 thumbs were selected to generate two matched cohorts and a cross-sectional review was completed at an average of 24 months (range: 5-203 months). Fifty-six thumbs had LRTI alone and 66 thumbs also had resection of the proximal portion of the trapezoid with tendon interposition in the residual gap. Results The cohorts showed no significant differences in subjective and objective outcome measures and imaging. Excision of the STJ was not associated with poorer clinical outcomes or the development of a dorsal intercalated segment instability deformity. Conclusions The management of pan trapezial arthritis with LRTI and proximal trapezoid excision and STJ interposition appears satisfactory on short- to medium-term clinical and radiographic follow-up. Level of Evidence: This is a Level III, consecutive cross-sectional cohort study.

Gonococcal Prosthetic Joint Infection.

Neisseria gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disseminated gonococcal infection is an infrequent presentation and rarely can be associated with septic arthritis. Incidence of this infection is rising, both internationally and in older age groups. We present the first documented case of N. gonorrhoea prosthetic joint infection which was successfully treated with laparoscopic debridement and antimicrobial therapy.