The Optimal Position for Arthrodesis of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joints of the Border Digits

Functional evaluation of optimal index finger proximal interphalangeal joint fusion angle using a simulated joint arthrodesis

This study aims at qualitatively and quantitatively evaluating the effects of simulated index finger proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint fusion angles on hand kinematic function and performance. Although arthrodesis of the index finger PIP joint is an effective medical procedure that produces a durable, pain-free, and stable joint, it permanently immobilizes the joint. Twenty healthy subjects performed basic functional hand activities with the index finger PIP joint unconstrained (UC) and constrained to selected angles under surveillance of a motion capture system. Our results indicate differences in perceived difficulty, time performance, and the functional ROM of the hand joints when the index finger PIP joint is UC and constrained to 0, 20, and 40 degrees of flexion. The mean total perceived difficulty scores for all 6 tasks were higher for the PIP at 0 degrees than for the UC condition (p < 0.001) and for the PIP at 40 degrees (p = 0.048). The functional ROM presented a smaller total number of hand joints affected by the PIP at 20 degrees (25 in total) than the PIP at 0 (31 in total) and 40 (27 in total) degrees during execution of all 6 tasks tested. Therefore, the decision on the appropriate index finger PIP angle for arthrodesis may be between 20 and 40 degrees, as globally for all 6 tasks tested, 0 degrees exhibited the worst results regarding perceived difficulty, performance time, and number of joints with affected ROM. Selecting the appropriate angle for arthrodesis should consider a more complete set of functional activities.

Artrodesis de articulación interfalángica proximal en enfermedad de Dupuytren: Una revisión sistemática cualitativa

Introducción La enfermedad de Dupuytren (ED) se caracteriza por una alta tendencia a la recidiva. Las reintervenciones asocian elevado riesgo de complicaciones, incrementado tras cada cirugía. En contracturas graves y recidivantes, con insuficiencia vascular o mala calidad tisular, nuevas fasciectomías pueden estar contraindicadas por el riesgo de comprometer gravemente la viabilidad cutánea. En estos casos, artrodesar la articulación interfalángica proximal (IFP) es una alternativa a la amputación. La artrodesis también es una alternativa en aquellas contracturas que asocien artrosis o artrofibrosis de la articulación IFP. El limitado conocimiento sobre esta intervención se justifica por su escasa frecuencia. Realizamos una revisión sistemática cualitativa de resultados y complicaciones de artrodesis de la articulación IFP del segundo al quinto dedos en adultos con ED.

Materiales y Métodos Según la declaración de los Ítems Preferidos de Reporte para Revisiones Sistemáticas y Metanálisis (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, PRISMA, en inglés), desarrollamos una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed, Embase y Cochrane Library. Evaluamos el riesgo de sesgo mediante la Escala de Newcastle-Ottawa modificada. Junto a variables intra y preoperatorias y complicaciones, se registró las mejorías funcional y del dolor, y el grado de satisfacción.

Resultados Para esta revisión sistemática, se seleccionaron 4 series de casos, con 65 pacientes y 71 artrodesis. No evidenciamos mejorías significativas en términos de dolor o funcionalidad, pero sí un alto grado de satisfacción en todos los estudios. El 11,3% de las complicaciones incluyó una necrosis cutánea, pero ninguna lesión vascular o nerviosa.

Conclusión Pese a no demostrar mejoría en dolor o funcionalidad, este procedimiento asocia alto grado de satisfacción y muy baja tasa de afectación cutánea o de lesiones vasculares o nerviosas. El nivel de evidencia sobre resultados y complicaciones es bajo.

The impact of various simulated arthrodesis angles of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the ring and middle finger on grip strength

INTRODUCTION

Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint at 40° angle has been proposed by many authors. A smaller angle of arthrodesis results in weaker grip strength of the hand from the quadriga effect. However, arthrodesis at 40° compromises other aspects of hand function including poor aesthetic appearance. This paper aims to quantify the decrease in grip strength at 40°, 20°, and 0° of arthrodesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Grip strengths of the hand were measured using a BASELINE dynamometer at settings II, III, and IV. Baseline grip strength of the subjects were first measured without wearing a splint. Thereafter, subjects wore thermoplastic splints to simulate arthrodesis of the middle and ring finger PIP joint at 40°, 20°, and 0°, and grip strengths were measured again. The grip strength of the hand with simulated arthrodesis was then calculated as a ratio of the baseline.

RESULTS

There were 50 subjects yielding 100 sets of results. The results show that average grip strength ratio of the hand decreases progressively from 40° and 20° and to 0° of arthrodesis for both the middle and ring finger. However, the difference in grip strength ratio between 40° and 20° of arthrodesis was minimal. Simulated arthrodesis of the middle finger affected the grip strength ratio more than arthrodesis of the ring finger, and compromised gripping of a smaller handle more than a wider one.

CONCLUSION

The decrease in grip strength from 40° to 20° simulated fusion of PIP joint was minimal. Therefore, in so far as grip strength loss is concerned, arthrodesis of the PIP joint at an angle less than 40° can be considered for patients with individual functional and aesthetic concerns.