Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis for Degenerative Osteoarthritis With Compression Screw: Results in 102 Digits

Purpose To assess objective and subjective outcomes of distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with a headless compression screw for degenerative osteoarthritis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 102 cases of distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis performed with headless compression screws on 59 patients. We included only primary cases of degenerative osteoarthritis with a minimum follow-up of 7 months. We identified appropriate bone coaptation and hardware positioning on postoperative radiographs in all digits. The mean follow-up period was 26 months (range, 7-67 mo). Results In 89 of 102 cases, patients were fully satisfied; in 9 cases, they were satisfied. Four complications occurred: 2 cases of prominent hardware, 1 complex regional pain syndrome type 1, and 1 symptomatic bony callus on the fused joint. Secondary surgery was required in each of these 4 cases. No nonunion, malunion, nail dystrophy, pseudarthrosis, or infection occurred. All arthrodeses healed. Conclusions Distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis with headless compression screws was shown to be safe and effective in cases of degenerative osteoarthritis, with a low complication rate. (J Hand Surg 2012;37A:1330-1334. Copyright (c) 2012 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.)