The proximal interphalangeal joint: arthritis and deformity

Finger joints are of the most common site of osteoarthritis and include the DIP, PIP and the thumb saddle joint. Joint arthroplasty provides the best functional outcome for painful destroyed PIP joints, including the index finger. Adequate bone stock and functional tendons are required for a successful PIP joint replacement. Fixed swan-neck and boutonnière deformity are better served with PIP arthrodesis rather than arthroplasty. Silicone implants are the gold standard in terms of implant choice. Newer two-component joints may have potential to correct lateral deformities and improve lateral stability. Different surgical approaches are used for PIP joint implant arthroplasty according to the needs and the experience of the surgeon. Post-operative rehabilitation is as critical as the surgical procedure. Early protected motion is a treatment goal. Revision and exchange PIP arthroplasty may successfully be used to treat chronic pain, but will not correct deformity. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180042