PIP Joint replacement

April 24th, 2007

Rheumatoid disease and Erosive Osteoarthritis can result in painful loss of PIP joint motion. Although the index finger experiences high loads during pinch, which contraindicate joint replacement in this specific digit(fusion being much more adviseable), the long, ring, and small finger PIP joints do very well with arthroplasty.

Newer implant designs have allowed superb resoration of pain-free motion. I will discuss whether PIP joint replacement/arthroplasty is an option for you during your appointment. Over my career I have had tremendous opportunity to restore function in the hand afflicted by different types of arthritis, and continue to champion PIPJ arthroplasty when indicated.

Related Photos:

Preoperative picture of the arthritic PIP joint

Preoperative PA xray of the PIP joint

Preoperative lateral xray

Postoperative PA xray after PIP joint arthroplasty

Finger extension after PIP joint arthroplasty

Finger flexion after PIP joint arthroplasty

Related Videos:

4 years after ring and small PIP joint implants, this patient has excellent motion and no pain