Dorsal Plate Fixation for Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis of the Fingers and Thumb

• Published in: The Journal of hand surgery (American ed.) Vol. 43; no. 11; pp. 1046.e1 - 1046.e6
• Main Authors: Patel, Anand, Damodar, Dhanur, Dodds, Seth D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-11-2018
• Subjects: Adult; Arthrodesis - instrumentation; Arthrodesis - methods; Bone Plates; Contraindications, Procedure; DIP fusion; Distal interphalangeal joint of the finger; dorsal plate fixation; Exercise Therapy; Female; Finger Joint - surgery; Humans; interphalangeal arthrodesis; interphalangeal joint of the thumb; Postoperative Care; Splints; interphalangeal joint of the thumb; DIP fusion; dorsal plate fixation; interphalangeal arthrodesis; Distal interphalangeal joint of the finger
• ISSN: 0363-5023; 1531-6564
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.049

Arthrodesis is generally the most accepted surgical option for treatment of degenerative and traumatic conditions involving the distal interphalangeal joint of the fingers or the interphalangeal joint of the thumb. Ideal position of arthrodesis is thought to be slightly flexed to improve power, fine pinch, and grip. Different techniques have been described for distal finger joint arthrodesis, with most surgeons using straight intramedullary implants that obligate the joint to be positioned in neutral extension. In this article, we describe the operative technique to perform a distal finger joint arthrodesis in slight flexion using dorsal plate fixation. We also discuss a case of a patient with distal finger joint arthrodesis.