Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis Using Nitinol Intramedullary Fixation Implants

Abstract

Arthrodesis has been shown to be a successful operative procedure for the treatment of intractable pain, instability, and deformity of the distal interphalangeal joint of the fingers, and interphalangeal joint of the thumb. Multiple fixation techniques have been used in the past including Kirschner wires, tension bands, headless screws, or lag screws. Clinical results are generally acceptable, but complication rates have been reported to vary between 10% and 20%. Complications include nonunion, pain, malunion, infection, nerve injury, and protruding hardware. The aim of this study is to describe an alternative technique for arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint of the fingers or interphalangeal joint of the thumb using Nitinol implants for intramedullary fixation with a minimal complication rate.