The long-term outcome of volar plate arthroplasty of the proximal interphalangeal joint

The ultimate effectiveness of an arthroplasty is most accurately determined by a long-term review of the joints' function and freedom from pain. We examined 17 patients an average of 11.5 years (range, 4-26 years) following volar plate arthroplasty for a fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon. The average age was 36 years (range, 17-61 years). No patient complained of pain at rest or with activity. Patients having arthroplasty within 4 weeks of injury attained a total active range of motion of 85 degrees (50 degrees to 110 degrees). Patients having arthroplasty more than 4 weeks after injury (average, 20 weeks) included several elderly women and averaged 61 degrees (30 degrees to 90 degrees) total active range of motion. Four patients showed some degree of joint narrowing at the follow-up examination. This review suggests that volar plate arthroplasty continues to be of benefit on a long-term basis and provides satisfactory function and pain-free motion. (J Hand Surg 2000; 25A:429-437. Copyright (C) 2000 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.).