arthritis sa DIPJ Impormasyon In-depth

Ang iyong nararamdaman

Ang sakit ay matatagpuan mismo sa huling joint ng iyong daliri, ang pinakamalapit sa kuko. Ang wear-and-tear arthritis (osteoarthritis) ay nagpapupudpod sa makinis na cartilage na nagpapahintulot sa joint na dumulas. Pagkatapos ay may nabubuong bagong buto sa mga gilid ng joint, at ito ang sanhi ng pananakit, paninigas, at pamamaga na iyong napapansin.

Ang joint ay karaniwang pinakamatingkad ang paninigas sa umaga o pagkatapos mong gamitin ang iyong kamay. Ang paghawak nang mahigpit, pag-pinch, at pagbaluktot ng dulo ng daliri ay maaaring magpalala sa sakit. Ang pagpapahinga ng daliri ay madalas na nakakapagpakalma nito. May ilang tao na nakararanas din ng pabalik-balik na pananakit sa gabi.

Ang mga pang-araw-araw na gawain na gumagamit ng dulo ng daliri ay nagiging mas mahirap. Ang pagbubutones ng polo, pagpulot ng maliliit na barya, pag-type, o pagpihit ng susi ay maaaring maging hindi komportable. Dahil ang joint na ito ay tumutulong sa fine pinch, ang mga gawain tulad ng pagtatahi ng karayom o pagpulot ng isang piraso ng papel ay maaaring magmukhang lampa.

Maaari mo ring mapansin ang isang maliit at matigas na bukol o cyst malapit sa joint, kung minsan ay may kasamang uka o ridging sa mismong kuko. Ang mga cyst na ito ay nauugnay sa parehong arthritic changes na nakikita sa X-ray. Sa paglipas ng panahon, ang joint ay maaaring magkaroon ng baluktot na hindi na ganap na naitutuwid, at ang kurba na iyon ay maaaring dahan-dahang lumala habang tumitindi ang paninigas.

Kung ang isang lumang pinsala sa joint na ito, gaya ng mallet finger, ay nag-iwan nito na matigas o baluktot, ang parehong wear-and-tear changes ay maaaring lumitaw pagkalipas ng maraming taon.

Ano ang aktwal na nangyayari

Ang bawat daliri ay isang kadena ng maliliit na buto. Ang joint na nasa dulo mismo ng daliri, katabi ng kuko, ay tinatawag na end finger joint. Sa kondisyong ito, ang wear-and-tear arthritis ay nakakaapekto sa joint na iyon nang higit pa kaysa sa anumang iba pang joint sa kamay.

Ang malusog na cartilage ay nagsisilbing shock absorber sa pagitan ng mga buto. Pinahihintulutan nito ang joint na dumulas nang maayos habang ikaw ay nagbabaluktot at nagtutuwid. Kapag napupudpod ang cartilage, nagkikiskisan ang buto sa buto. Tumutugon ang katawan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalaki ng sobrang buto sa mga gilid ng joint. Ang bagong butong iyon, kasama ang magaspang na surface ng joint, ang sanhi ng pananakit, pamamaga, at paninigas na iyong nararamdaman.

Mahalaga rin dito ang mga tendon. Ang tendon ay isang matibay na cord na nag-uugnay sa muscle sa buto. Ang mga cord na ito ay tumatakbo sa itaas at ilalim ng daliri, at kailangan nilang manatiling balanse upang ang dulo ng daliri ay makatuwid at makabaluktot nang normal. Maaaring gambalain ng arthritis ang balanseng iyon, kaya ang joint ay maaaring manatili sa nakabaluktot na posisyon na unti-unting lumalala sa paglipas ng panahon.

Maaari rin itong magsimula mula sa isang lumang pinsala. Kung nagkaroon ka noon ng mallet finger, kung saan ang tendon na nagtutuwid sa dulo ng daliri ay napunit o nahugot, maaaring mawala ang balanse ng joint. Lumaylay ang dulo ng daliri, at ang middle joint sa likuran nito ay maaaring sumobra ang pagtuwid tungo sa isang swan neck shape. Ang joint na naiwan sa posisyong iyon sa loob ng maraming taon ay maagang napupudpod, na nagdudulot ng sakit at paninigas.

Mayroong dalawang malawak na pattern ng arthritis na ito. Sa isa, ang joint ay mukha at kumikilos tulad ng ordinaryong wear and tear. Sa isa pa, na tinatawag na erosive arthritis, ang surface mismo ng joint ay unti-unting nakakain, na madalas ay mas masakit at mas mapanira.

Ang mabuting balita ay limitado lamang ang mga tungkulin ng joint na ito. Nakakatulong ito sa fine pinch, ngunit hindi nito dinadala ang malaking bahagi ng iyong grip. Iyan ang dahilan kung bakit ang mga opsyon sa paggamot ay mula sa pagpapakalma ng mga sintomas hanggang sa pagpapatigas o pagpapalit ng joint, depende sa kung gaano ka naaapektuhan ng arthritis.

Ano ang maaari naming gawin tungkol dito

Si Dr Kieran Hirpara, isang upper-limb surgeon sa Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton, ay nagsisimula sa mga opsyon na hindi gaanong invasive na angkop sa iyong kondisyon. Ang mga pasyente ay karaniwang nirerefer sa aming klinika ng kanilang GP; kung iminungkahi ng isang physiotherapist na magpatingin sa amin, kakailanganin mo pa rin ng referral mula sa iyong GP upang maging eligible para sa Medicare rebate. Sa iyong pagbisita, kumukuha kami ng history, sinusuri ang iyong daliri at nag-aayos ng mga X-ray kung kinakailangan upang kumpirmahin ang diagnosis.

Para sa isang matagal nang problema na tulad nito, karaniwan kaming nagsisimula sa non-operative care. Ang isang splint na ginawa upang kumasya sa iyong daliri ay maaaring magpakalma ng sakit at tumulong upang mas maituwid ang joint. Ang pagsusuot ng splint ay hindi nagpapastiff sa joint o naglilimita sa layo ng paggalaw nito, at karamihan sa mga tao ay patuloy itong isinusuot nang walang problema. Layunin ng hand therapy na panatilihing gumagalaw ang joint at bawasan ang strain dito habang gumagawa ng mga pang-araw-araw na gawain. Karaniwan naming hinihiling na bigyan muna ng sapat na pagkakataon ang mga simpleng hakbang na ito bago isaalang-alang ang iba pang mga opsyon.

Kung ang mga hakbang na iyon ay hindi sapat upang maayos ang sitwasyon, maaaring isaalang-alang ang surgery. Ang standard na operasyon para sa joint na ito ay fusion, kung saan tinatanggal ang mga gasgas na joint surfaces at pinagsasama ang mga buto upang gumaling ang mga ito bilang isang solidong piraso. Ang daliri ay magiging stiff sa joint na iyon, ngunit mawawala ang sakit. Ang fusion ay maaari ring pumigil sa pagbalik ng isang mucous cyst. Sa ilang mga tao, mas mahalaga ang pananatiling gumagalaw ng joint, kaya ang joint replacement o isang procedure na nagtatabas ng mga gasgas na gilid ng buto ay maaaring maging opsyon sa halip. Ang mga pagpipiliang ito ay nakadepende sa iyong mga sintomas, sa iyong trabaho at sa kung ano ang gusto mo para sa iyong kamay. Pag-uusapan namin ang mga opsyon kasama ka at magpapasya tayo nang magkasama kung aling landas ang angkop para sa iyo.

Ano ang dapat asahan

Para sa karamihan ng mga tao, ang arthritis na ito ay isang pangmatagalang kondisyon sa halip na pansamantala lamang. Ang pananakit at paninigas ay may tendensiyang pabalik-balik, at madalas na lumalala pagkatapos mong gamitin nang husto ang daliri. Ang pagpapahinga nito ay karaniwang nakakapagpakalma sa mga sintomas. Sa paglipas ng panahon, maaaring lalong tumigas ang kasukasuan, at ang pagbaluktot na hindi na ganap na naituwid ay maaaring dahan-dahang lumala.

Kung ang arthritis ay nagmula sa isang lumang pinsala, gaya ng mallet finger, ang outlook ay katulad din. Maaaring mawalan ng ilang paggalaw ang kasukasuan, ngunit ang pagkawala na ito ay hindi laging nagpapabago sa pakiramdam o paggana ng iyong daliri sa araw-araw. Ang ilang mga tao ay napapanatili ang mabuting function kahit limitado ang pagbaluktot sa dulo ng daliri.

Kung walang gamutan, ang mga pangunahing panganib ay ang patuloy na pananakit at isang kasukasuan na tumitigas o lalong bumabaluktot. Kung ang isang malalim na pinsala sa kasukasuan ay hindi magagamot agad, sa loob ng 8 oras, ang kasukasuan ay maaaring maging sobrang tigas. Ang pagpapabaya sa isang baluktot na kasukasuan sa loob ng maraming taon ay maaari ring maging sanhi ng maagang pagkapudpod nito.

Sa pamamagitan ng gamutan, karamihan sa mga tao ay nakikita na humuhupa ang pananakit. Ang mga simpleng hakbang gaya ng splint at hand therapy ay madalas na sapat na. Kung kinakailangan ang operasyon, ang fusion ay nag-aalis ng pananakit ngunit iniiwan na matigas ang kasukasuan na iyon. Kung mas mahalaga sa iyo ang pagpapanatili ng paggalaw, ang pag-trim sa mga pudpod na gilid ng buto o ang joint replacement ay maaaring magpagaan ng pananakit habang pinapanatili ang ilang paggalaw. Ang mga opsyon na ito ay may kani-kaniyang panganib, at tatalakayin ito ng iyong surgeon sa iyo.

Isang bagay na dapat malaman: kung ang gitnang kasukasuan at ang kasukasuan sa dulo ng daliri ng iisang daliri ay parehong may matinding pananakit, maaari silang gamutin kung minsan sa iisang operasyon.

Kailan dapat magpatingin

Magpatingin sa iyong GP kung nananatiling masakit ang joint ng dulo ng daliri sa kabila ng pahinga, o kung may bukol o cyst malapit sa kuko na patuloy na lumalaki o nagpapabago sa kuko. Humingi ng pagsusuri ng isang espesyalista kung ang joint ay nagiging mas matigas o mas nakabaluktot sa paglipas ng panahon, kung ang mga pinong gawain tulad ng pagbubutones o pagpulot ng mga barya ay nagiging mas mahirap, o kung ang isang lumang mallet finger injury ay nag-iwan sa joint na matigas o nakalaylay. Pumunta sa emergency department kung na-crush o malalim na napinsala ang joint ng dulo ng daliri, dahil ang pagkaantala ng higit sa 8 oras ay maaaring mag-iwan dito ng matinding paninigas.

Higit pang detalye

Advanced reading: the deeper science (optional)

Ang seksyong ito ay lumalampas sa kailangan mo para sa iyong sariling mga desisyon sa paggamot. Ang arthritis ng fingertip joint ay karapat-dapat sa karagdagang pagbabasa dahil ang fusion, ang standard na operasyon, na karaniwang inilalarawan bilang simple, ay may mas mataas na complication rate kaysa sa iminumungkahi ng reputasyon nito, at dahil mayroong motion-preserving alternative na bihirang mabanggit.

Ang fusion ay hindi kasing-simple ng pakinggan nito

Ang pag-fuse ng joint ng dulo ng daliri ay ipinapakita bilang isang maaasahang operasyon, at pagdating sa pag-alis ng sakit, ito ay totoo. Ang profile ng komplikasyon ay hindi gaanong benign. Isang pagsusuri ng mga risk factor sa 173 na pasyente ang direktang nagsasaad nito: ang arthrodesis ng distal interphalangeal joint ay madalas na humahantong sa mga komplikasyon, kung saan ang osteoarthritis, revision arthrodesis at paninigarilyo ay tinukoy bilang mga risk factor [1].

Ang paglitaw ng paninigarilyo sa listahang iyon ay dapat aksyunan, dahil ito ang tanging factor na kontrolado ng pasyente. Ang bone union ay nakadepende sa blood supply, at ito ay isang maliit na joint na may manipis na soft-tissue envelope sa dulo ng blood supply ng daliri.

Ang implant na mas nakakapagpagaling ng union ay nagdudulot din ng mga problemang hindi nararanasan sa mga mas murang opsyon

Ang debate sa fixation ay may isang hindi pangkaraniwang malinaw na sagot, at ito ay isang trade-off sa halip na isang panalo. Sa 1,125 na mga pasyente, lumalabas na ang mga headless compression screw ay may mas mataas na union rates ngunit nauugnay sa mga komplikasyong hindi nakikita sa iba pang mga subok na at mas murang teknik, at maliban sa union, may hindi sapat na ebidensya upang ipakita na ang screw ay superior [2].

Ang mga komplikasyong partikular sa screw ay nagmumula sa anatomy. Ang screw ay tumatakbo pababa sa axis ng fingertip, kaya dumadaan ito malapit sa nail bed at maaaring magdulot ng nail deformity, at sa isang napakaliit na distal phalanx ay maaaring kulang ang buto upang humawak dito. Ang mga wire ay mas mura at naiiiwasan ang mga partikular na problemang iyon habang nagbubuklod nang bahagyang mas hindi maaasahan.

Kung saan ang union lamang ang prayoridad, isang revision fusion, o sa isang naninigarilyo, ang bentahe ng screw ang pinaka-relevant. Kung saan maliit ang buto at mahalaga ang kuko, hindi ito malinaw na tamang pagpipilian.

Ang alternatibo na nagpapanatili ng paggalaw

Ang fusion ay hindi lamang ang tanging opsyon, at ang alternatibo ay hindi malawakang tinatalakay. Sa mga pasyenteng ang pangunahing reklamo ay ang mga bukol na buto at ang sakit mula rito sa halip na ang arthritis sa buong joint, ang mga prominenteng osteophyte ay maaaring tanggalin habang pinapanatiling buo ang joint.

Ang open cheilectomy ng fingertip joint ay inilalarawan bilang isang ligtas at epektibong alternatibo sa arthrodesis sa mga pasyenteng may symptomatic osteoarthritis na nagnanais na panatilihin ang paggalaw ng joint, sa 78 na pasyente [3].

Mahalaga ito dahil ang fingertip joint ay maliit lamang ang kontribusyon sa grip strength ngunit malaki ang ambag sa fine manipulation at sa hitsura ng kamay. Para sa isang tao na ang mga sintomas ay dulot mismo ng mga Heberden's nodes, ang pagpapalit ng mga ito para sa isang permanenteng matigas na fingertip ay isang mas malaking pagsasakripisyo kaysa sa maaaring pakinggan, at mayroong gitnang opsyon.

Ang cyst na madalas na kasama nito

Ang arthritis sa kasukasuang ito ay madalas na nagdudulot ng mucous cyst, isang maliit na pamamaga na puno ng likido na nagmumula sa arthritic joint, karaniwan ay sa tabi ng kuko. Dahil ito ay itinutulak ng nakalalim na kasukasuan, kumikilos ito gaya ng wrist ganglion sa aspetong iyon: ang pag-drain nito ay tumutugon sa pamamaga at hindi sa pinagmulan. Binibigyang-pansin ito nang hiwalay, ngunit mahalagang malaman ang koneksyon, dahil ang pabalik-balik na cyst ay isang palatandaan ng arthritis sa ilalim nito sa halip na isang nakabukod na problema.

Mga Sanggunian

[1] Runkel A, Bonaventura B, Sundermann B, Zajonc H, Eisenhardt S, Leibig N. Risk factors in distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in the hand: a retrospective study. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2022;47(9):907-14. https://doi.org/10.1177/17531934221111641

[2] Dickson D, Mehta S, Nuttall D, Ng C. A systematic review of distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis. J Hand Microsurg. 2014;6(2):74-84. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12593-014-0163-1

[3] Lin EA, Papatheodorou LK, Sotereanos DG. Cheilectomy for treatment of symptomatic distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis: a review of 78 cases. J Hand Surg Am. 2017;42(11):889-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.07.006

Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

In select patients, percutaneous DIP joint arthrodesis is advantageous in comparison with open fusion techniques [1].
Swan neck deformity can progress significantly over time due to increasing DIPJ flexion contracture [2].
Simultaneous surgical intervention is recommended for severe painful osteoarthritis of the PIP and DIP joints of the same digit [3].
Denervation with cheilectomy presents a motion-preserving alternative to arthrodesis for symptomatic DIP joint osteoarthritis [4].
A lateral approach and plate fixation for DIP joint arthrodesis yields results equivalent to traditional methods but with fewer major complications [5].
The combination of DIP arthrodesis and PIP Swanson arthroplasty results in a favourable outcome regarding simultaneous bony union and flexibility [7].
Silicone interpositional arthroplasty of the DIP joint is an acceptable alternative to arthrodesis, achieving excellent pain relief and a range of movement of 30–40 degrees with a low overall complication rate of 5% [8].
The smile incision and reverse shotgun approach is a surgical option for DIPJ arthrodesis when more volar part joint preparation and more volar implant insertion sites are necessary [9].
The nonaxial multiple small screws (NMSS) technique is a feasible option for DIPJ and thumb IPJ arthrodesis, especially when a small finger is indicated and a significant flexion angle is required [11].
A customized structural bone graft addresses issues of bone stock loss and medullary absence in failed DIPJ silicone arthroplasty, achieving reliable union rates and high patient satisfaction [14].
There is no difference in biomechanical performance between K-wires and compression screws for DIPJ arthrodesis, so cost and complication profiles should be considered when choosing an implant [26].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology

Bony Anatomy & Dimensions

A substantial number of distal phalanges are too small to accommodate commonly available headless compression screws, particularly in females and the small finger [25].
The dorsal integument of the distal phalanx is characterized by the presence of the nail bed with its matrix [28].
The hand consists of 19 bones, 17 articulations, and 19 muscles situated entirely within the hand [27].

Soft Tissue Anatomy

The terminal tendon of the extensor mechanism inserts at the base of the distal phalanx to extend it [29].
The dorsal covering of the interphalangeal articulations of the digits forms a unique cutaneous unit characterized by a considerable excess of skin when the digits are in extension [28].
The fine tight skin of the dorsal aspect of the middle phalanx forms a distinct functional cutaneous unit [28].

Pathophysiology & Biomechanics

Osteoarthritis occurs with the highest prevalence in the distal interphalangeal joint of the hand and has been divided into an erosive and a nonerosive form [12].
The pathogenesis of the early stages of osteoarthritis is poorly understood, but considerable emphasis has been placed on the role of cartilage and subchondral bone as well as soft tissue structures such as collateral ligaments and tendons [12].
Palmar subluxation of a DIP joint without preexisting arthritic deformity is expected when more than one half of the dorsal articular surface is injured [6].
Fracture fragments that are less than 43% of the distal phalanx articular surface usually do not allow volar subluxation, whereas fragments involving larger than 52% of the joint surface consistently allow subluxation [48].
Mallet fractures associated with large fragments may result in volar subluxation of the distal phalanx as the collateral ligaments remain attached to the fracture fragment [48].
If left untreated, mallet fractures with volar subluxation may lead to a secondary swan neck deformity of the finger, premature osteoarthritis, pain, or stiffness [48].
Immobilization of the distal interphalangeal joint of any finger reduces the overall grip strength of the hand, with the effect becoming progressively more pronounced from the index to the little fingers [19].
Positioning the middle finger DIP joint in either extension or 20° of flexion did not significantly affect grip strength or dexterity [38].
Irreducibility was more commonly seen in dorsal than in volar dislocations of the distal interphalangeal joint [49].
Volar dislocations of the distal interphalangeal joint carried a higher risk of instability immediately after reduction compared to dorsal dislocations [49].

Classification

Osteoarthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint has been divided into an erosive and a nonerosive form [12].
The interrater reliability of the Kellgren & Lawrence and OARSI classification systems for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed [50].

Clinical Presentation

Osteoarthritis occurs with the highest prevalence in the distal interphalangeal joint of the hand [12].
The pathogenesis of the early stages of osteoarthritis is poorly understood [12].
Considerable emphasis has been placed on the role of cartilage and subchondral bone in the pathogenesis of distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis [12].
Soft tissue structures such as collateral ligaments and tendons play a role in the pathogenesis of distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis [12].
Radiographic evaluation represents the most standardized method to quantify disease progression in distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis [12].
Different systems have been developed for defining and grading radiographic features of distal interphalangeal joint osteoarthritis [12].
Osteoarthritis at the distal interphalangeal joint often results in pain and deformity [15].
Swan neck deformity can progress significantly with time due to increasing distal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture [2].
Palmar subluxation of a distal interphalangeal joint without preexisting arthritic deformity is expected when more than one half of the dorsal articular surface is injured [6].
Radiological osteoarthritis after a mallet finger fracture is similar to the natural degenerative process in the distal interphalangeal joint [13].
Radiological osteoarthritis after a mallet finger fracture is accompanied by a decrease in range of motion of the distal interphalangeal joint [13].
The decrease in range of motion following mallet finger fracture does not clinically affect patient-reported outcome measures [13].
Primary synovial chondromatosis of the distal interphalangeal joint is an extremely rare entity [43].
Primary synovial chondromatosis of the distal interphalangeal joint requires accurate diagnosis to distinguish from other arthropathies [43].
Floating distal interphalangeal joint injuries can be misdiagnosed initially due to minimal deformity [21].

Investigations

A distinct collagen septum exists between the extensor tendon and skin at the DIP joint, confirmed using MRI and histology [55].
The curvatures of the DIP joints may lend insight into the biomechanics and disease progression within the DIP joints [10].

Treatment

Non-Operative

DIP joint splinting reduces pain and improves extension at the joint [17].
DIP joint splinting does not result in non-compliance, increased stiffness, or restriction of range of motion [17].
Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum injection is an option for treating DIP joint contractures in Dupuytren disease [54].
The potential risk for recurrence must be carefully weighed prior to using Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum for DIP joint contractures [54].

Operative

Arthrodesis is generally the most accepted surgical option for treatment of degenerative and traumatic conditions involving the DIP joint of the fingers or the IP joint of the thumb [20].
The ideal position for DIP joint arthrodesis is slightly flexed to improve power, fine pinch, and grip [20].
Most surgeons use straight intramedullary implants for DIP joint arthrodesis, which obligates the joint to be positioned in neutral extension [20].
Dorsal plate fixation allows for DIP joint arthrodesis in slight flexion [20].
Indications for DIP joint fusion include rheumatoid arthritis, posttraumatic arthritis, and chronic conditions [20].
Percutaneous DIP joint arthrodesis is advantageous in comparison with open fusion techniques in select patients [1].
A lateral approach with plate fixation for DIP joint arthrodesis yields results equivalent to traditional methods but with fewer major complications [5].
Diabetes and surgeon experience are factors that increase the risk of postoperative complications in DIP/thumb IP joint arthrodeses [16].
Open cheilectomy and debridement of the DIP joint is a safe and effective alternative to DIP joint arthrodesis in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis who wish to preserve joint motion [15].
In a review of 78 patients, open DIP joint cheilectomy resulted in a significant improvement in mean visual analog scale pain scores from 8 to 1 [15].
In a review of 78 patients, open DIP joint cheilectomy improved DIP joint flexion contracture by a mean of 6 degrees and DIP joint range of motion by a mean of 20 degrees [15].
No postoperative infections or other complications were noted in a review of 78 patients undergoing open DIP joint cheilectomy [15].
No reoperations were required during the follow-up period in a review of 78 patients undergoing open DIP joint cheilectomy [15].
Denervation with cheilectomy presents a compelling motion-preserving alternative to arthrodesis for symptomatic DIP joint osteoarthritis [4].
For patients prioritizing hand aesthetics or with unstable joints, DIP joint arthrodesis is preferable to silicone arthroplasty [18].
The combination of DIP arthrodesis and PIP Swanson arthroplasty resulted in a favourable outcome in terms of simultaneous bony union and flexibility [7].
The authors recommend simultaneous surgical intervention in case of severe painful OA of the PIP and DIP joints of the same digit [3].
Open reduction and internal fixation is a viable treatment option for chronic floating DIP joint injuries, though osteoarthritis may develop [21].

Complications

Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint often leads to complications [22].
Diabetes and surgeon experience were identified as factors increasing the risk of postoperative complications in DIP and thumb IP joint arthrodeses [16].
The complication rate for DIP joint arthrodesis using the AcuTwist headless compression screw was 9% [56].
In a series of 48 primary arthrodeses using the AcuTwist device, three arthrodeses failed to fuse, including two asymptomatic nonunions and one fixation loss requiring revision with autograft [56].
There were no cases of nail deformity, wound complications, tip hypersensitivity, or clinically notable malalignment in a series of 48 primary arthrodeses using the AcuTwist device [56].
The overall complication rate for silicone interpositional arthroplasty of the DIP joint was 5% [8].
No postoperative infections or other complications were noted in a review of 78 patients undergoing open cheilectomy and debridement of the DIP joint [15].
No reoperations were required or performed during the follow-up period for patients undergoing open cheilectomy and debridement of the DIP joint [15].
Swan neck deformity can progress significantly with time due to increasing DIPJ flexion contracture [2].

Recovery

Operative

The results of lateral approach and plate fixation for DIP joint arthrodesis are equivalent to traditional methods but with fewer major complications [5].
A customized structural bone graft using the described technique addresses issues of bone stock loss and medullary absence in failed DIPJ silicone arthroplasty, achieving reliable union rates and high patient satisfaction [14].
Diabetes and surgeon experience were identified as factors increasing the risk of postoperative complications in DIP/thumb IP joint arthrodeses [16].

Non-Operative

Splinting of the DIP joint does not give rise to non-compliance, increased stiffness or restriction of range of motion [17].

Key Evidence

[L4] In select patients, this percutaneous DIP joint arthrodesis is advantageous in comparison with open fusion techniques. [1] (10.1007/s11552-010-9265-9)
[L5] The swan neck deformity in this individual progressed significantly with time because of increasing DIPJ flexion contracture. [2] (10.1016/j.jht.2009.11.005)
[L3] The authors recommend simultaneous surgical intervention in case of severe painful OA of the PIP and DIP joints of the same digit. [3] (10.1177/17531934231191255)
[L4] It presents a compelling motion-preserving alternative to arthrodesis for symptomatic DIP joint osteoarthritis. [4] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2026.01.027)
[L4] The results obtained in this small series are equivalent to the traditional methods of DIP joint arthrodesis but with fewer major complications. [5] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.09.004)
[L5] Palmar subluxation of a DIP joint without preexisting arthritic deformity is expected when more than one half of the dorsal articular surface is injured. [6] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2007.09.006)
[L4] The combination of DIP arthrodesis and PIP Swanson arthroplasty resulted in a favourable outcome in terms of simultaneous bony union and flexibility. [7] (10.1177/17531934231215790)
[L4] The study confirms that silicone interpositional arthroplasty of the DIP joint is an acceptable alternative to arthrodesis, achieving excellent pain relief and a range of movement of 30–40 degrees with a low overall complication rate of 5%. [8] (10.1177/1753193411422679)
[L4] This technique may be a good surgical option for DIPJ arthrodesis when more volar part joint preparation and more volar implant insertion sites are necessary. [9] (10.1186/s12891-024-08016-6)
[L5] Our understanding of morphology may lend insight into the biomechanics and disease progression within the DIP joints. [10] (10.1007/s11552-014-9605-2)
[L4] Thus, the NMSS technique could be used as a feasible option in DIPJ and thumb IPJ arthrodesis, especially when a small finger is indicated and a significant flexion angle is required. [11] (10.1186/s12891-022-05473-9)
[L5] [12] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.09.003)
[L4] Radiological OA after an MFF is similar to the natural degenerative process in the DIP joint and is accompanied by a decrease in range of motion of the DIP joint, which does not clinically affect PROMs. [13] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2023.03.027)
[L4] A customized structural bone graft using the described technique addresses issues of bone stock loss and medullary absence in failed DIPJ silicone arthroplasty, achieving reliable union rates and high patient satisfaction. [14] (10.1177/17531934231151217)
[L4] [15] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2017.07.006)
[L3] Diabetes and surgeon experience were identified as factors increasing the risk of postoperative complications in these DIP/thumb IP joint arthrodeses. [16] (10.1186/s12891-024-07361-w)
[L2] It does not give rise to non-compliance, increased stiffness or restriction of range of motion. [17] (10.1016/j.jht.2013.08.004)
[L3] For patients prioritizing hand aesthetics or with unstable joints, distal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis is preferable. [18] (10.1177/1753193420917818)
[L4] Immobilization of the distal interphalangeal joint of any finger reduces the overall grip strength of the hand, with the effect becoming progressively more pronounced from the index to the little fingers. [19] (10.1177/1753193418765068)
[L4] [20] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.03.049)
[Case_report] Floating DIP joint injuries can be misdiagnosed initially due to minimal deformity; open reduction and internal fixation is a viable treatment option for chronic cases, though osteoarthritis may develop. [21] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2010.05.025)
[L3] Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint often leads to complications. [22] (10.1177/17531934221111641)
[L4] A substantial number of distal phalanges are too small to accommodate commonly available headless compression screws, particularly in females and the small finger. [25] (10.1007/s11552-014-9679-x)
[L5] Given the lack of difference in biomechanical performance between K-wires and compression screws, consideration should be given to other factors such as cost and complication profiles when choosing an implant for DIPJ fusion. [26] (10.1177/1558944715627211)
[L2] Positioning the middle finger DIP joint in either extension or 20° of flexion did not significantly affect grip strength or dexterity, allowing other considerations such as appearance to be prioritized. [38] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.06.021)
[Case_report] Primary synovial chondromatosis of the distal interphalangeal joint is an extremely rare entity that requires accurate diagnosis to distinguish from other arthropathies. [43] (10.1177/15589447211049520)
[L5] [48] (10.1177/1753193414554772)
[L4] Irreducibility was more commonly seen in dorsal than in volar dislocations, while volar dislocations carried a higher risk of instability immediately after reduction. [49] (10.1177/1753193415616957)
[L4] The interrater reliability of the Kellgren & Lawrence and OARSI classification systems for post-traumatic osteoarthritis in the distal interphalangeal joint after mallet finger fractures is considerably lower than initially assumed. [50] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.03.012)
[L4] Injection with CCH is an option for the treatment of DIP joint contractures in Dupuytren disease, though the potential risk for recurrence should be carefully weighed prior to its use. [54] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.07.004)
[L5] We confirmed the existence of a distinct collagen septum between the extensor tendon and skin at the DIP joint using MRI and histology. [55] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2008.11.030)
[L4] [56] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.09.040)

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