Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up Assessment of Volar Plate Interposition Arthroplasty for Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis in Proximal Interphalangeal Joints

Abstract

This is a retrospective study to evaluate the outcome of volar plate interposition arthroplasty for proximal interphalangeal joint post-traumatic osteoarthritis with a minimum 5-year follow-up. We identified patients receiving volar plate interposition arthroplasty for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in proximal interphalangeal joints. The measurements included the numeric pain scale (on a scale of 0–10), the proximal interphalangeal joint active range of motion, the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, the perioperative radiograph of the involved digit, proximal interphalangeal joint stability, and pinch strength. Eight patients with a median age of 44 years old (interquartile range (IQR): 29.3–56.8) were included in this study. The median follow-up period was 6.5 years (range of 5–11 years). The median numeric pain scale improved from 5 (IQR: 4.3–6.0) preoperatively to 0 (IQR 0–0.8) at the follow-up evaluation (p = 0.011). All digits demonstrated stability during manual stress testing compared to their noninjured counterparts. The median active proximal interphalangeal joint arc of motion improved from 25° to 55° (p = 0.011). The pinch strength of the fingers on the injured hand was weaker than those on the contralateral hand (2.2 Kg vs. 3.7 Kg, p = 0.012). We suggested that volar plate interposition arthroplasty may be an alternative surgical option for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the proximal interphalangeal joints.