To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) arthroplasty for nonrheumatic arthritis. We hypothesized that MCP arthroplasty would produce significant improvement in objective measures of hand function, pain relief, and overall patient satisfaction.
This retrospective study evaluated 30 patients with 38 MCP arthroplasties for nonrheumatic arthritis over a 12-year period. Follow-up assessment was completed at an average of 56 months after surgery. Objective measures included range of motion; grip and pinch strength; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; and visual analog pain score. A subjective patient questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction.
There was marked improvement between preoperative and follow-up range of motion, DASH, and pain. Linear regression showed strong correlations between preoperative measurements and improvement at follow-up. No difference was detected for grip or pinch strength. Results of the questionnaire showed that 73% were very satisfied, 87% would definitely do it again, and 70% experienced rare or no pain. Follow-up x-rays showed 5° mean angulation and 2-mm mean subsidence compared with immediate postoperative x-rays. Four arthroplasties (11%) required revision.
Therapeutic III.
This study showed improved range of motion and DASH score, excellent pain relief, and excellent patient satisfaction in patients undergoing MCP arthroplasty for nonrheumatic arthritis. Patients with more severe range of motion limitation, DASH score, and pain score experienced a greater improvement of these measures at follow-up. Strength improvement was limited although it remained comparable to the nonoperated hand. Angulation, subsidence, and complications in the study population were consistent with those reported in the literature.