Cheilectomy for Treatment of Symptomatic Distal Interphalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Review of 78 Patients.

PURPOSE: To determine whether open cheilectomy and debridement of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint is a safe and effective alternative to joint arthrodesis for the treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis.

METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with symptomatic DIP joint osteoarthritis and with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative radiographs were graded. Open cheilectomy and debridement of the DIP joint was performed in all patients. The DIP joint was immobilized for 4 weeks after surgery. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Visual analog scale pain scores and range of motion were assessed.

RESULTS: At a median final follow-up of 36 months (minimum, 24 months), there was a significant improvement in mean visual analog scale pain scores from 8 to 1. Distal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture was improved by a mean of 6° and DIP joint range of motion was improved by a mean of 20°. No postoperative infections or other complication were noted. No reoperations were required/performed during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS: Open DIP joint cheilectomy is a safe and effective alternative to DIP joint arthrodesis in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis who wish to preserve joint motion.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.