New technique: tendon interposition arthroplasty in Distal Interphalangeal Joint arthritis in Chinese population - New horizon for treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of managing distal inter-phalangeal joint arthritis by using excisional arthroplasties with soft-tissue interposition to provide pain-free joint with adequate range of motion and preserving the bone stock.

METHODS: The case series was conducted at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong from 2013 to 2015 and comprised patients with distal inter-phalangeal joint arthritis. Excisional arthroplasty was performed for all patients. Interposition was performed using extensor retinaculum/ palmaris longus. An axial K wire for 3-4 weeks was applied to maintain the reconstructed part in satisfactory alignment. Mallet splint was applied for another 3 weeks. Free active mobilisation was allowed afterward. Clinical assessment was done at least at 3, 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS: There were three patients in the series, and all the 5 fingers, including one thumb, achieved good range of motion with no complication except in 1(33.3%) patient who needed re-exploration of index finger for retained suture with no documentary infection. All patients (100%) had significant pain relieved with mean visual analogue scale score of 3/10±SD at 3 months and 0/10 at 1-year follow-up. All achieved good range of motion. All (100%) were satisfied with postoperative surgical outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: Interposition arthroplasty gave the patients adequate range of motion with preservation of bone stock.