To evaluate the one-year postoperative clinical and patient-rated outcomes in patients receiving proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthroplasty with a modular surface gliding implant, CapFlex-PIP.
10 patients each with primary osteoarthritis of a single PIP joint were assessed preoperatively (baseline), at 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months after CapFlex-PIP arthroplasty for lateral stability and range of motion of the affected digit. In addition, patients rated their pain using a numeric rating scale and function and overall assessment of their treatment and condition using the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and Patient Evaluation Measure (PEM) questionnaires, respectively.
The mean baseline active mobility of the affected PIP joint increased from 42° to 51° by one year, although this change was not significant. Patients reported reduced pain at one year, which was statistically significant. There was also a significant improvement between baseline and one-year QuickDASH (43 points vs 15 points, respectively) and PEM scores (51 vs 25 points, respectively). Absent or low lateral instability was observed in 9 joints at follow-up. All implants remained intact over the one-year postoperative period and there was no migration, osteolysis, or implant fracture. After study completion, 2 patients underwent tenolysis.
Therapeutic IV.
Patients experienced a significant reduction in pain and a trend towards increased mobility. All implants showed complete osteointegration without evidence of radiological migration. Lateral stability improved.