Biomechanical comparison of the proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis using a compression wire.

INTRODUCTION/AIM: Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger is a common procedure for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The aim of this biomechanical study was to compare the primary stability of one, respectively, two compression wires to intraosseous wiring and tension band wiring for the arthrodesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The stability of the arthrodesis was tested by applying flexion (n = 11) and extension (n = 10) force with 10° bending. Arthrodesis was achieved by one, respectively, two crossed compression wires and intraosseous wiring. In a control group (n = 11) tension band wiring was tested to 10° flexion and extension as well. RESULTS: Mean values for flexion bending for intraosseous wiring were 10.94 N, for one compression wire 12.82 N, for tension band wiring 17.95 N, and for two crossed compression wires 20.42 N. Mean values for extension bending were 9.71 N for intraosseous wiring, 13.63 N for one compression wire, 21.43 N for tension band wiring and 22.56 N for two crossed compression wires. CONCLUSION: The primary stability of the compression wires was statistically significant superior to intraosseous wiring. In comparison to tension band wiring which showed an intermediate stability. The application of a compression wire could be considered for further clinical testing in the arthrodesis of interphalangeal joints.

Arthrodesis of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint of the Finger-A Biomechanical Study of Primary Stability.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the finger often leads to global hand-function detriment. Different techniques for the arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint have been described that all lead to union in a reasonable percentage of patients and period of time. This biomechanical study aims to analyze and compare the primary stability of different techniques of arthrodesis to render postoperative immobilization unnecessary. METHODS: Arthrodeses of 40° of composite cylinders were tested with different techniques in four-point bending for stability in extension as well as flexion. RESULTS: In extension, the compression screw and the compression wires showed the highest stability-whereas in flexion, plate fusion was superior. Tension band, cerclage or compression screw fusion showed the best compromise in flexion/extension stability. CONCLUSIONS: Fusion techniques that apply compression to the fusion show superior stability. Cerclage, tension band and compression screws might be able to provide enough stability to withstand the forces exerted during unencumbered activities of daily living. Arthrodesis with plates should be limited to patients with special indications and require immobilization during consolidation.

[Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal Joint - a literature Review]. / Die Arthrodese des Fingerendgelenkes: eine Literaturanalyse.

This review addresses the arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint of the finger and the interphalangeal joint of the thumb with focus on indications, approaches, preparation of the articular surfaces, the angle of arthrodesis, advances and disadvantages of each technique, and postoperative care.

Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the finger - a systematic review.

Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint of the finger is an established procedure for advanced osteoarthritis. As there are different techniques of fusion, it seems necessary to evaluate the results. Primary outcome of this review was to evaluate different arthrodesis methods of the PIP joint and describe different numbers of non-unions. Secondary outcome was to evaluate time to consolidation. Respective complications, if mentioned, were listed additionally. The review process was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The selected databases were PubMed, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library. Studies reporting outcomes of the arthrodesis with a defined technique and radiological consolidation were included. Complication rates and types were recorded. In total, 6162 articles could be identified, 159 full-texts were assessed and 64 studies were included. Methodological quality was assessed using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. A total of 1923 arthrodeses of the PIP joint could be identified. Twelve different surgical techniques were described, four of these techniques with compression at the arthrodesis site. The most frequently used techniques were K-wires (n = 743, 14 studies), tension-band (n = 313, 15 studies) and compression screws (n = 233, 12 studies). The lowest rate of described non-unions in compression techniques was 3.9% with the compression screw. The highest non-union rate of 8.6% was achieved by interosseous wiring. All the described techniques can achieve the goal of fusing an osteoarthritic joint. There is a tendency in the more recent literature for the use of compression techniques.

Late onset hyperplastic callus formation in osteogenesis imperfecta type V simulating osteosarcoma-A case report.

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of late onset hyperplastic callus formation (HPC) in the right femur in type V osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) mimicking the occurrence of a malignant osteosarcoma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 27-year-old female patient consulted us due to swelling in her right femur over 2-3 months without trauma. X-rays looked like an osteosarcoma, blood tests showed increased bone metabolism. A CT scan, a MRI and biopsy were performed, showing late onset HPC due to osteogenesis imperfecta type V. DISCUSSION: OI shows a heterogeneous disease pattern due to a variety of clinical and radiographic findings. HPC is a rare complication of OI type V. Differential diagnosis range from cortical or periosteal osteosarcoma, periostitis, myositis ossificans, subperiosteal hematoma secondary to trauma or osteomyelitis. CONCLUSION: Recognition of HPC as a form of this particular type of OI is important to avoid misdiagnosis like malignant transformation to osteosarcoma. A biopsy and advanced imaging modalities like CT, MRI and scintigraphy are recommended.

[Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint - a review]. / Die Arthrodese des Fingermittelgelenkes: eine Literaturanalyse.

These review article analyses the described techniques for fusion of the proximal interphalangeal joint regarding their advantages and disadvantages with respect to the approach, surgical technique resecting the articular surface, angle of fusion, and the postoperative treatment.