Clinical efficacy of arthroscope-assisted treatment of traumatic metacarpophalangeal arthritis

Abstract

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic minimally invasive technique in the treatment of traumatic pain and dysfunction of metacarpophalangeal joint in the early and middle stages. Methods From March 2016 to December 2018, nine patients with traumatic metacarpophalangeal arthritis were treated with arthroscopic minimally invasive assistance to understand the lesions of metacarpophalangeal joint, and to clean up the osteophytes, intra-articular free bodies and synovitis. After the operation, the patients were instructed to take progressive functional exercise. The joint motion degree of the affected fingers was followed up. Whether there were swelling, deformity and pain in the fingers was observed. Results The postoperative follow-up time ranged from 6 to 24 months, with an average of 15 months. All the patients did not have any symptoms such as surgical complications and pain discomfort in a short period of time. The joint flexion and extension function were improved in varying degrees. According to the measurement standard of total active motion (TAM) of finger flexion and extension function, before operation the results were good in 1 case, fair in 5 cases and poor in 3 cases; after operation the results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 1 case. Conclusion In the early and middle stage of traumatic arthritis of metacarpophalangeal joint, the minimally invasive treatment under arthroscope has the advantages of small trauma, high accuracy and pertinence, quick postoperative recovery, which is an effective treatment method to improve hand function and reduce joint pain, and is worthy of clinical promotion. Key words: Metacarpophalangeal joint; Treatment outcome; Traumatic arthritis; Arthroscopes