Pyrolytic Carbon Hemiarthroplasty in the Management of Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthritis

PurposeTo review clinical, subjective, and radiographic results of pyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty for proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthritis.MethodsA total of 42 fingers in 38 patients underwent PIP joint hemiarthroplasty between 2005 and 2011. Preoperative diagnoses included 28 with osteoarthritis or posttraumatic arthritis and 10 with inflammatory arthritis. Average age at the time of surgery was 56 years. Digits treated included: index (10), middle (20), ring (9), and little (3). Average follow-up was 4.6 years (minimum, 2 y).ResultsThere was considerable improvement in patient satisfaction measures including Canadian Occupational Performance Measure for both performance and satisfaction and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and visual analog scale pain scores. There was no significant change in motion or grip and pinch strength after surgery. Four joints were revised for failure: 3 underwent arthrodesis and 1 was converted to a silicone PIP joint arthroplasty. Radiographic outcomes in surviving implants demonstrated a Sweets and Stern grade 0 in 37 implants and grade 3 in 1.ConclusionsPyrocarbon hemiarthroplasty appears to be a viable alternative to total joint arthroplasty in the treatment of PIP joint arthritis. Clinical and patient satisfaction outcomes compared favorably with published outcomes of arthroplasty. Radiographic outcomes of PIP joint hemiarthroplasty were encouraging with respect to implant position and loosening. Compared with total joint arthroplasty, proximal hemiarthroplasty is a simple procedure that preserves more bone stock and would allow for better success of salvage options such as arthrodesis and revision arthroplasty.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic IV.